New Illinois budget features massive investments for workforce development, SkillsUSA opportunities

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — The Fiscal Year 2026 budget includes massive investments for workforce development. Democrats approved special funding this year to help even more young people get hands-on experience.

The spending plan includes a $1.3 million increase for career and technical education programs to expand access to underserved students using an updated equity-based formula. It also features $2 million for SkillsUSA, a nonprofit educational organization getting students pre-apprenticeships and community college training.

"When we start to think about workforce development and the return on investment that brings to our individual communities, there are some incredible opportunities that our students are going to have as a result of our budget," said Eric Hill, Executive Director of SkillsUSA Illinois.

Dozens of students took their talents and knowledge to the state Capitol this spring to tell lawmakers and other state leaders how much career and technical education means to them.

"I got to meet and build relationships with senators and representatives," said SkillsUSA participant Averi Collela. "So, providing the opportunity for other students to do it in the same way, I think it's super amazing we get to do this."

The FY26 budget features $20 million for the Illinois Works pre-apprenticeship program and $17 million in new funding for the employer training investment program.

$7.5 million will also boost the Illinois Fast Track Workforce Program for technology and economic development.

"Regardless of Democrat or Republican, regardless of socioeconomic status of your community, the more we invest in workforce development, the more it's going to impact our individual communities that we live, we serve, and we work in every single day," Hill said.

SkillsUSA students from across Illinois are traveling to Atlanta next week to compete in the National Leadership and Skills Conference. Participants will have the opportunity to win scholarships and potential job opportunities.