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Illinois Works Bid Credit Program.

Contractors can earn virtual bid credits by employing Illinois Works graduates as qualified apprentices in Illinois.

Offered byDCEO Office of Illinois Worksverified 2026-07-10

Overview

What it does.

Approved contractors report qualifying apprentice hours to build a bid-credit balance that can make bids on state-funded capital projects more competitive.

Best for: Construction contractors building apprenticeship capacity and pursuing Illinois capital work.

Eligibility

Who and what may qualify.

Eligible applicants

  • Registered contractors and subcontractors employing Illinois Works pre-apprenticeship graduates as qualified apprentices in Illinois

Applicants excluded by the source

  • Employers without qualifying Illinois Works graduates in a USDOL registered apprenticeship role

Eligible uses

  • Earning virtual bid credits based on qualifying apprentice hours
  • Applying earned credits to compete for state-funded capital construction projects

Uses excluded by the source

  • Cash reimbursement
  • Credits for work outside Illinois

Application

How to start.

  1. Register for the Bid Credit Program.
  2. Hire an Illinois Works graduate into a qualifying registered apprenticeship role.
  3. Submit required apprentice reports within program timelines.

Timing: Apprentice reports must be submitted within the program's stated reporting window.

Planning notes

Limits to account for.

  • The graduate must work in Illinois as a qualified apprentice.
  • Bid credits are usable only as allowed for state-funded capital construction bidding.

May complement workforce compliance and apprenticeship tax incentives if each program's rules are independently met.

Evidence

Official sources.