Workforce Pre- Apprenticeship Partner Service

The government authority located in Chicago, Illinois is seeking qualified consultants to provide comprehensive workforce pre-apprenticeship training, development, and supportive services in the construction trades industry. The agency needs to establish career pathways within high-demand sector industries that capture specific workforce goal requirements. The selected organizations will take primary responsibility for identifying, recruiting, preparing, and managing program participants from and throughout the agency service area. The agency requires an established program that maintains strategies to increase recruitment, participation, and retention. Requested services include education and pre-vocational services that prepare participants to meet the minimum qualifications for entry into a Registered Apprenticeship program. The scope also covers activities that introduce participants to apprenticeships, assist them in applying for Registered Apprenticeship programs, and provide access to supportive services such as childcare, transportation, counseling, and connections to career services. The program must deliver hands-on experience that simulates the work performed in actual trade apprenticeship halls while observing proper supervision and safety protocols. The agency expects these activities to involve formal agreements and, wherever possible, coordination with apprenticeship sponsors to facilitate entry into Registered Apprenticeship programs upon successful completion. The performance of this work will take place offsite over a contract period of three years. Eligible bidders must be located onshore within the United States. The agency is evaluating proposals based on competitive selection to identify verifiable, high-performing organizations. Budget details are not pre-determined, as the agency is currently looking for proposals to define the cost structure. The agency has scheduled a pre-bid meeting for June 16, 2026. Bidders must submit all questions regarding this opportunity no later than June 18, 2026.