Author Sarah Gibson | August 8, 2025

YWCA Quad Cities’ 13-week Pre-Apprenticeship Program offers paid jobs, skills training and career prep for Illinois youth ages 16-24 this summer.

ROCK ISLAND, Ill. — YWCA Quad Cities is continuing its Pre-Apprenticeship Jobs Program for a second summer, giving Illinois youth paid work experience and professional skills training.

The 13-week program is open to residents ages 16–24 and provides full or part-time employment at local businesses. All student wages are funded by the YWCA, easing the cost for employers and helping young people gain job experience.

The first week’s focus on professional development, including résumé and cover letter writing, job readiness training, and career exploration. Participants also learn life skills such as budgeting, understanding insurance and employee benefits, and how to open a bank account through workshops and guest speakers.

“The job application process is an endless cycle of needing experience to get experience, leaving youth feeling discouraged and hopeless,” said Lexy Larson, grant specialist and program manager for YWCA Quad Cities. “Our program allows youth to gain 180 hours of work experience in various fields, making them stronger candidates for employment, allowing them to earn some money, and creating lasting pathways for success.”

Last summer, 12 students completed the program and were offered permanent jobs where they trained. Among them is Evangelina Martinez, who is spending her apprenticeship with Moira Kelly Photography.

This year, 21 participants have been placed with 13 local businesses, many of them non-profits. 

More information is available at ywcaqc.org.

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