24 area residents complete HIRE360 Pre-Apprenticeship Training

Twenty-four residents of Champaign and Danville have completed HIRE360's 13-week pre-apprenticeship program, earning workplace certifications and preparing for careers in the skilled trades and clean energy. The program combines hands-on training, mentorship and career guidance to help participants move toward union apprenticeships and long-term employment.

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Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Graduates from the fall 2026 HIRE360 East Central Illinois Pre-Apprenticeship Program are: Front Row (l-r): Jeffey Trask, Scyon Harris, John Neville- Kakunda, Pierre Saxon, Josiah Wilson and Andre Grace. Back Row: Christopher Baker, Amari Clark-Crawford, Haley Deverell, Raniya Beauregard, Arnez Hopkins, Jacob Poole, and Ashley Lofton

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URBANA - For 24 residents of Champaign-Urbana and Danville, graduation means more than completing a training program. It means having new skills, workplace certifications and a better idea of where a career in the skilled trades might take them.

The graduates recently completed the HIRE360 East Central Illinois Pre-Apprenticeship Program, a 13-week course designed to help participants prepare for union apprenticeships and careers in clean energy.

The program, which began last year, combines hands-on training with mentorship and career guidance. Participants learn from union leaders, earn workplace certifications and visit wind farms, solar farms and other clean energy sites. Some enter the program after facing challenges such as homelessness, poverty or incarceration.

The goal is to help them turn that training into lasting employment. Dozens of participants have already secured union apprenticeship positions, while others have used their new skills and connections to begin careers in their chosen fields.

Champaign Mayor Deb Feinen delivered the keynote address at the Champaign graduation ceremony. Luther Baker, president of the East Central Illinois AFL-CIO, provided keynote remarks at the Danville ceremony.

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Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Danville graduates and instructors include, starting in the front row (l-r), Kiara Potts, Omekia Jones, Elijah Green, Trey Brandon, Marlon Lee. Middle Row: Jon Coleman, Paris Anderson, Zyhmeis Wise, LaDarrion Fultz, Quentin Smith, Demitrius Boens. Back Row: Luther Baker, Kevin Sage, Justin McMullin, Richard VanDeventer, Woody Sarver, Shataveon Goforth, Pat Devaney, Tricia Teague

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“We’re proud to celebrate this group of graduates in Danville and everything they’ve accomplished through Climate Works,” said Trina Taylor, CEJA program director at HIRE360. “They came into the program to learn about the trades and they’re leaving ready to see where that knowledge can take them.”

Taylor said HIRE360's work with the East Central Illinois Building and Construction Trades Council focuses on helping participants move from training into apprenticeships and, ultimately, sustainable careers in the trades.

Thirteen students graduated in Champaign: Christopher Baker, Raniya Beauregard, Amari Clark-Crawford, Haley Deverell, Andre Grace, Scyon Harris, Arnez Hopkins, John Neville Kakunda, Ashley Lofton, Jacob Poole, Pierre Saxon, Jeffrey Trask and Josiah Wilson.

Grace received recognition for perfect attendance. Baker, Deverell, Grace and Trask were named outstanding students.

Eleven students graduated in Danville: Paris Anderson, Demitirus Boens, Trey Brandon, S. Jon Coleman, Ladarrion Fultz, Elijah Green, Omekia Jones, Marlon Lee, Kiara Potts, Quentin Smith II and Zyhmeis Wise.

Boens was recognized for perfect attendance, while Brandon and Potts were named outstanding students.

Pre-apprenticeship classes begin every three months. Those interested in applying for the 2027 classes can find an application at www.builtunion.com.

TAGGED: HIRE360 East Central Illinois Pre-Apprenticeship Program, Champaign and Danville skilled trades graduates, East Central Illinois union apprenticeship opportunities, clean energy workforce training in Illinois, pre-apprenticeship career pathways