After learning about local apprenticeship expansion efforts, Kraft Heinz identified the Champaign facility as a pilot location for Kraft Heinz's registered apprenticeship for industrial maintenance technicians. The program, sponsored by Parkland College and Kraft Heinz, will be nationally registered by Jobs for the Future after the pilot phase. Extensive discussions and reviews with local and corporate teams have culminated in accepting the work process schedule and training instruction. The goal is to have students enrolled by the Spring semester of 2024, with the latest target being the Fall semester of the same year.

From the moment I started my journey as a Desktop Support Apprentice (or Information Systems Apprentice) at Northwestern Medicine, the decision to choose this path became increasingly evident. Being an apprentice in such a high-priority healthcare institution was about gaining technical skills and immersing myself in an environment that thrives on innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to patient care. The primary reason for pursuing an apprenticeship was the unique opportunity to bridge the gap between things I learned in school (at the College of DuPage) between knowledge and practical application.

Northwestern Medicine strongly emphasizes hands-on experience, allowing apprentices (like me) to work directly with cutting-edge technologies and real-world challenges. This dynamic approach enhances technical skills and fosters a deeper understanding of the healthcare industry’s needs. In desktop support, my experiences ranged from troubleshooting hardware and software issues to implementing system upgrades seamlessly.

The mentorship provided by seasoned professionals ensured a steady learning curve, allowing me to grow in confidence and competence. Working with experts in the field accelerated my technical proficiency and exposed me to the critical role desktop support plays in maintaining the hospital’s day-to-day operations. I feel like I’m already growing at an alarming rate; pretty soon, I feel like I will be able to find the solution to anything in the realm of my department’s abilities.

Collaboration was a cornerstone of my experience as an apprentice at NM. The healthcare environment demands a high level of teamwork, and my role allowed me to interface with various departments, from nursing to administration. I’ve worked on numerous projects with people on other teams, like managing Apple products and developing ideas for healthcare providers to maintain a steady and productive workflow. I’ve also worked with Networkers, Systems Engineers, Sound Design, and Cybersecurity teams. This cross-functional collaboration not only broadened my understanding of the healthcare system but also honed my communication skills, showed me a whole new side of IT, and made me start to come up with ideas about which branch of IT I would want to pursue.

The work environment at Northwestern Medicine is very positive and friendly. The energy within the IT department is excellent, driven by a shared commitment to excellence and a passion for leveraging technology to enhance patient care. In retrospect, choosing to be a Desktop Support Apprentice at Northwestern Medicine was a transformative decision but a pivotal step in terms of what I want to pursue.

In a world where the tech industry continues to evolve at breakneck speed, five ambitious individuals decided to take their future into their own hands. They enrolled in National Able Network’s Cisco Apprenticeship training program. Their dedication and hard work led them to the doors of one of the world’s leading technology companies, Cisco Meraki.
Meet Darius, Lori, Izaiah, and Pedro – five individuals with a shared dream of securing a place in the thriving world of technology. Their journey began with a rigorous training program, but little did they know that this was only the beginning of their success story.
Upon successful completion of training via IT Career Lab, during which they worked directly with Cisco Meraki engineers, the company sought these five aspiring tech professionals. The participants demonstrated their deep commitment to learning, adaptability, and relentless work ethic, making them the ideal candidates for an internship at Cisco Meraki.
Their journey into the company brought them exciting rewards right from the start. Each intern was offered a competitive hourly wage of $28 and a generous $7,500 signing bonus paid out during their first month on the job.
The benefits didn’t stop there. Cisco Meraki demonstrated its commitment to the well-being of its employees by offering comprehensive medical benefits that covered the interns and their families, ensuring their health and peace of mind. Paid holidays were provided to encourage a healthy work-life balance, and the ability to accrue time off ensured that the interns could take a breather when needed.
As they delved into their internship roles, these five promising talents were exposed to cutting-edge technology and innovation. They gained hands-on experience in networking, cloud-based solutions, and security under the mentorship of some of the brightest minds in the industry. Their growth was nurtured, and their creativity was encouraged, helping them evolve into professionals of the highest caliber.

The Integrated Business Services Team (IBST) in East Central Illinois was recently organized and met in person for the first time in September of 2023. In collaboration with Apprenticeship Illinois, the Champaign County Regional Planning Commission coordinates local stakeholders and partners in the workforce development system to improve employers' engagement and deliver business services. Representatives from the East Central Illinois Workforce Board, Illinois Department of Employment Security, Illinois Department of Human Service Division of Rehabilitation Services, Champaign County Chamber of Commerce, Parkland College, and the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity Regional Economic Development Team attended the first meeting. Members of the local IBST are participating in strategic planning over the fall and early spring to implement the foundational elements and structural components of an IBST that the Illinois Workforce Investment Board suggested.