Bill > HB4038

This bill establishes the Illinois Apprenticeship Voucher Program through the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), designed to support apprentices who have completed registered apprenticeship programs by providing them with a $300 voucher to purchase tools and equipment for their intended line of work. To be eligible, apprentices must graduate from an Illinois-based apprenticeship program registered with the United States Department of Labor's Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training. The program will be funded through the newly created Illinois Apprenticeship-to-Career Starter Kit Fund, which can accept contributions from individuals, businesses, philanthropic organizations, and federal grants. The bill defines key terms such as "apprentice" and "apprenticeship program" and authorizes the DCEO to develop rules for program administration. The funding and implementation of the voucher program are subject to the availability of funds in the dedicated special fund, ensuring that financial support can be provided to help apprentices transition from their training programs into their professional careers by offsetting the initial cost of necessary work tools and equipment.

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=4038&GAID=18&DocTypeID=HB&SessionID=114&GA=104