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 proven strategies to increase recruitment, participation, and retention. Requested services must include education and pre-vocational training that prepares 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 with the application process, and provide hands-on experience simulating actual trade apprenticeship hall work under proper safety protocols. To help participants remain in the program, the agency requires access to supportive services such as childcare, transportation, counseling, and connections to career services. The program must also incorporate formal agreements, wherever possible, with apprenticeship sponsors to facilitate entry into Registered Apprenticeship programs upon successful completion. The agency is seeking proposals for a contract period that will span three years. Eligible bidders must perform the work offsite and must be located onshore within the United States. The agency is looking for proposals to determine the budget for this initiative. Key dates for this opportunity include a pre-bid meeting scheduled for June 16, 2026, and a deadline for submitting all questions no later than June 18, 2026.