East Central Illinois Building And Construction Trades Council

02/14/2026

02/05/2026

Our pre-apprentices always enjoy the hands-on training they receive at Sheet Metal Workers Local Union #218 - and leaving with their own handmade toolbox!
Union leaders recently taught our Danville class what goes into sheet metal work and about career opportunities in their industry.
Their apprentices start out making more than $25/hr, with a total wage package of more than $41/hr!
You can learn more about career opportunities with SMART 218 and other local unions by applying to join our next pre-apprentice class in Danville or Champaign. Visit www.builtunion.com for more information!

Hire360 Partners

02/03/2026

"Thank You!"
It’s been one year since we welcomed our first pre-apprenticeship class and since then, we have expanded from Champaign to Danville, helping a dozen people earn a career with local unions.
We’ve provided dozens more with life skills and work experiences that have helped them continue to improve their lives.
We’re proud of all we have accomplished together and look forward to opening even more doors of opportunity for others, for many years to come.
To those who have supported this program, we join our pre-apprentices in saying “Thank You!”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R92C7nMrYgM

Hire360 Partners Illinois State AFL-CIO

In the first year of the East Central Illinois Building and Construction Trades Council's pre-apprenticeship program with HIRE360, the 13-week program has se...

01/27/2026

Our pre-apprentice program goes beyond just providing the training needed to earn a career with a labor union, we also help them overcome barriers to that career.
When Chittick Eye Care learned some of our pre-apprentices desperately need glasses – but can’t afford them – Chittick offered them discounted rates. Already, four pre-apprentices have taken advantage of this life-changing opportunity!
Herbert, who’s now in our Danville class, is among those who has shown great potential, but had to hold books and tools just inches from his eyes to see them. He's fought through numerous challenges in his life, his vision among them, but now that he has glasses, he’s doing even better and knows he has an even brighter future ahead.
Thank you, Chittick, for seeing the promise in our pre-apprentices and helping them see the opportunities in front of them!

Hire360 Partners Illinois State AFL-CIO

01/22/2026

An average starting wage of $26/hr is a great way to start a career - with guaranteed raises each year after that, as well as full family health insurance and a retirement plan.
Apply to join UNION Iron Workers #380, Champaign, IL and take their test in April - that's how lifelong careers began for so many others!

Please help us get this information out to everyone who may be looking for a career!
Iron Workers Local 380 Apprentice Training Built Union East Central Illinois Building And Construction Trades Council Vermilion County Works

01/22/2026

We appreciate the opportunity to talk about the career opportunities available in the trades - and how our 13-week pre-apprenticeship program pays you to prepare for those careers. We've already had a dozen pre-apprentices start their careers with local unions!
Sign up for our spring classes in Champaign or Danville at https://www.builtunion.com/ecibctc-pre-apprenticeship-program/

Huge shoutout out to Justin McMullen for coming to talk with our students about the Pre-
Apprenticeship Program through East Central Illinois Building and Construction Trades Council.

01/20/2026

The heating and cooling of buildings across the University of Illinois campus begins in one place - the Abbott Power Plant.
Our pre-apprentices recently learned how that happens and the union careers available at that facility.
Special thanks to Michael Larson of Facilities & Services for leading the tour and inspiring our pre-apprentices!

Hire360 Partners

01/13/2026

Our Champaign pre-apprentices recently got hands-on training at Sheet Metal Workers Local Union #218, learning what those union members do and the skills needed to begin a career there. They even left with their own hand-made, sheet metal toolboxes!
SMART 218 is now accepting apprentice applications and we know some of our pre-apprentices left there inspired to apply!

Hire360 Partners

01/07/2026

We’d like to thank the City of Champaign City Council for voting unanimously Tuesday night to support our growing pre-apprentice program, guaranteeing spots for Champaign residents!
Our 13-week program pays participants to learn skills needed to earn a career in the trades, including hands-on work and test preparation, while touring work sites and meeting union leaders.
It’s grown to include both Champaign and Danville classes, while helping a dozen people earn positions with local unions!
“In just the last year, we’ve had 12 Champaign residents graduate from the program and are excited about the opportunity to welcome even more,” said Building Trades President Kevin Sage.
https://www.news-gazette.com/business/city-to-partner-with-trades-council-on-pre-apprenticeship-for-at-risk-individuals/article_2ab1635b-0b70-431e-a8e5-ce1db018b178.html

Hire360 Partners Illinois State AFL-CIO

The city looks to partner with the East Central Illinois Building and Construction Trades Council to create brighter futures for individuals who have struggled with challenges such as poverty, re-entry

12/25/2025

12/24/2025

Our Champaign and Danville pre-apprentice students are working hard to learn the basics of the trades and get the skills needed to earn a lifelong career – even as many are also raising young families.
They recently learned about the support there is for them on this journey, when they were surprised in class with gifts for them and their children.
Thank you to our many unions who make up the Building Trades, as well as supporters like the Bismarck Community Fire Protection District and The Trep School for thinking of these hard-working pre-apprentices, and to our safety instructor, Neal “Boomer” Asklund of A&R Mechanical Contractors, for spreading holiday cheer. Your thoughful generosity, kindness and support will help them and their families have a very Merry Christmas!

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