Workforce Upskilling for HVAC Supply Chain Manufacturers

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is offering a grant opportunity under its Fast Track Training Support Program to support the HVAC and plumbing supply chain manufacturing sector in St. Clair County. This program, funded through the Workforce, Technology and Economic Development Fund, seeks to address pressing workforce development challenges in a vital segment of Illinois' advanced manufacturing sector, which employs over 190,000 workers statewide. The fund aims to enhance job readiness, provide targeted skills training, and promote economic development by supporting manufacturers with a focus on upskilling incumbent workers. This grant is designed to facilitate employer-driven training initiatives tailored to HVAC and plumbing manufacturers currently located in or relocating to St. Clair County. The program’s key objective is to support job placement, improve worker skills, and build a foundation for technological adaptation in the industry. The grantee will collaborate closely with both DCEO and employer partners to design and deliver training programs. These must detail course outlines, training durations, expected certifications, provider qualifications, and cost structures. Employers must also commit to supplying necessary employee data to track outcomes such as job placement, wage progression, and injury rate reduction. Eligibility for the program is narrowly defined. Only entities currently serving as the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Title IB administrator for St. Clair County are eligible to apply. These organizations must be registered in the Illinois GATA Grantee Portal and meet various compliance criteria, including good standing with the Illinois Secretary of State and federal systems such as SAM.gov. Applicants must also demonstrate experience in delivering workforce training programs tailored to manufacturing needs. Applications must include a completed Uniform Grant Application, Uniform Budget, conflict of interest disclosures, and a detailed program narrative. The narrative must address project goals, proposed activities, team capacity, training plans, and anticipated impacts on workforce challenges. Applications will be evaluated on a 100-point scale based on need, capacity, and quality of the proposal. The Department will select one awardee based on competitive merit review. The total funding available under this NOFO is $2,000,000, and one award is anticipated. The grant performance period runs from January 1, 2025, through November 30, 2027. Pre-award costs incurred between the date of the Notice of State Award and the grant start date are allowable. The grant does not support construction or capital costs. Applications are due by December 10, 2025, at 5:00 PM Central Time and must be submitted via a Smartsheet online form. No technical assistance session is planned. Contacts for inquiries include Program Manager John Barr (john.w.barr@illinois.gov) and the DCEO Grant Help Desk (CEO.GrantHelp@illinois.gov).

Clearly address performance metrics and tie budget to expected outcomes; proposals scored on need, capacity, and quality.