DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) — Friday afternoon, 15 students celebrated their graduation from the Workforce Investment Solutions Pre-Apprenticeship Program. 

The program focuses on construction and the building trades. Graduates leave the program with NABTU, OSHA, and First Aid/CPR certifications. Upon completion, graduates can transition into an apprenticeship registered with the Department of Labor.

Rocki Wilkerson, the Executive Director of Workforce Investment Solutions, said the goal was to create opportunities for those who needed them.

"When we wrote this grant with our partners -- the Building Trades Council and Hire360 -- that we were able to collaborate and put a training program together that allowed for 15 students to come in on day one. And then be able to graduate and know that they have opportunities ahead of them. I look at that as a life-changer," said Wilkerson.

Justin Warfield, a brand-new graduate of the program, said he was thankful for the experience and ready to enter the workforce. "Anybody wanting to go into the program: I think it's a great program, and I think it's very worthwhile. Just go in with an open mind and be ready to work."

Applications for the Pre-Apprentice Program can be found online.

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