Rep. Krishnamoorthi Celebrates Federal Funds for Youth-Focused Trade Apprenticeships with YWDF and AED

SOUTH ELGIN, IL – Today, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) joined with officials from the Youth Workforce Development Foundation (YWDF) and the Associated Equipment Distributors (AED) to announce the Apprenticeships Build America federal grant. Congressman Krishnamoorthi helped YWDF and AED secure the grant that was announced this summer by the Biden Administration.  

The grant is part of more than $244 million being distributed through the U.S. Department of Labor to help expand the Registered Apprenticeship system. The heavy equipment supply chain is critical to the national economy, but workforce shortagesindieseltechniciansandheavyequipmentoperatorsareexpectedtoexceedfrom24,000to42,000 operators withina decade due to retirements and career changes.

“I’m delighted to have helped YWDF and AED successfully secure the grant funding necessary to open more career and technical education pathways for young people to good-paying jobs,” said Congressman Krishnamoorthi. “This funding will not only help address workforce shortages and expand our talent pipeline, but will also provide students with additional training that will enable them to pursue successful careers and help strengthen America’s middle class.”

YWDF and AED will work in Illinois to help schools provide the necessary heavy equipment training programs. They also will support career-focused Industry Pathway events, where students receive hands-on instruction and work on the diesel and heavy equipment with industry companies and laborers.

“We know from our successful career pathways events and competitions, and our work in schools across Illinois throughout the year, students are ready for success in careers that don’t require a four-year college degree. But they first need to know what it will take to prepare for them,”said Eric Hill, CEO of the Youth Workforce Development Foundation.

“This exciting partnership with AED will help turn more young people onto well-paying careers in an industry that needs new talent. We thank Rep. Krishnamoorthi and his team, and the dedicated educators at South Elgin High School, for helping support this new pipeline for youth apprenticeships that will go a long way to building a stronger future for our state.” 

###