As cyber threats continue to rise, businesses must take proactive steps to safeguard their data and operations. Recognizing this urgent need, College of DuPage partnered with Forster Tool and Manufacturing (Bensenville, IL) to develop a Cyber Security Registered Apprenticeship Program. This innovative partnership equips companies with skilled cybersecurity talent while providing apprentices with hands-on experience in a high-demand field. Maureen Forster, President of Forster Tool, was seeking to invest in cyber security with the goals of protecting customer's information while also achieving Cyber Security Certifications that would allow Forster to further expand their customer base, such as NIST 800-171/CMMC Level 2.  “We soon realized that we were way over our heads and stretching ourselves thin trying to accomplish these cyber security milestones with our current staff. Our CIISP (Certified Information Systems Security Professionals) consultants suggested that we contact COD to discuss an apprenticeship program, they noted that the COD Cybersecurity department had a great reputation, and they have hired COD graduates in the past for their respective companies.  We had our apprentice, start with us just about a month after the process began and the impact she has had on our business in just the last half a year cannot be understated.”  

The need to protect your company’s data and systems is crucial, as cyber-attacks are becoming daily headlines.  From 2022-2023, cyber-attacks increased 15%, with 25% of attacks hitting manufacturing companies during 2023, according to the 2024 IBM Threat Intelligence Index.

College of DuPage is working with area employers to find a solution and fill the employment gaps.  Established in 2019, with roots in the manufacturing industry and tremendous expansion to other industries in recent years, the Project Hire-Ed Apprenticeship Program offers employers a pipeline to their future workforce, as well as an increase in employee retention and loyalty through apprenticeships.  Employers choosing apprenticeship can expect to see significant returns on their investment.  The average ROI of hiring an apprentice is 44.3%, meaning that every $100 an employer invests in a registered apprenticeship program generates $144.30 in total benefits, according to a US Employment and Training Association report evaluating the American Apprenticeship Initiative.   Apprenticeship was found to reduce turnover, improve company culture, and reduce downtime.  

Apprenticeships offer a strategic advantage for businesses looking to address workforce challenges while developing highly skilled employees. Through the Project Hire-Ed Apprenticeship Program, College of DuPage helps employers like Forster Tool create customized training pathways that align with industry needs. “Registered apprenticeships provide a proven model for businesses to recruit, train, and retain talent while ensuring employees gain hands-on experience and industry-recognized credentials,” said Danielle Kuglin Seago, Manager of Project Hire-Ed. “By partnering with employers, we help close critical workforce gaps and provide a sustainable solution for long-term growth.” 

When reflecting on the impact an apprentice has made on her business, Forster is thrilled with the return on investment thus far.  “Our apprentice has been a great addition to the culture of our team. She has been able to take on a hefty workload and has saved our company a ton of time, money, and headaches.  Our goal is to keep our apprentice here for the long term and to build a team around her once she feels comfortable with all aspects of the position. This pathway toward building a team internally and training in-house is one of the best benefits of the apprenticeship program. With her help, we have decreased the timeline to achieve our Cyber Security in half and we are hoping to be fully compliant by 2025 thanks to her contribution to this company.”  

Employers looking to strengthen their cybersecurity defenses while building a skilled workforce are encouraged to connect with Project Hire-Ed at College of DuPage. Discover how a Cyber Security Apprenticeship can provide your organization with the talent and protection it needs for the future. Contact Project Hire-Ed at project-hire-ed@cod.edu to explore how apprenticeship can be the right solution for your business.

As President of the Chicago Southland Chamber of Commerce, we were seeking to fill a new administrative position within our organization. I reached out to contacts at the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership for assistance in creating and filling this full-time role. At the same time, OAI, Inc. was collaborating with the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership, Employer and Employment Services (EES), and Governor’s State University School of Extended Learning (GSU-SXL) on marketing strategies for their newly approved Office Services Specialist (OSS) Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP).

Since the full-time administrative position, we were looking to create was intended to play a key role in connecting our membership with the talent pipeline in the Southland region, particularly through apprenticeship programs, I was invited to participate in their scheduled meetings. It didn’t take long for the position to evolve from a general administrative role to that of the Apprenticeship Ambassador. This new position would serve as a liaison between our Business Growth Committee, Workforce Development Committee, and regional business owners.

Given that it was a new position, we had to ensure it met the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) criteria for a new hire in the OSS RAP. The guidance and direction I received from EES, one of our key partners, were invaluable. It was exciting to become the first employer to sign the OSS RAP employer agreement, even as we were finalizing the hiring of the Apprenticeship Ambassador.

We successfully hired Rene Velazquez, who became one of the 11 OSS RAP apprentices. His on-the-job mentor was Kim Marisa Kunce and myself. It quickly became clear that the Related Training Instruction (RTI) had relevant applications, as Rene consistently demonstrated strong administrative skills throughout the 16 weeks of training. His initiative and energy were evident, and he quickly became a key asset to our team.

OAI’s Apprenticeship Program proved to be a “win-win” for both the Chamber of Commerce and Rene, our Apprenticeship Ambassador. His success was not only a win for him but also for our business. We had filled a crucial role in a way that helped us grow as a team. As OAI, Inc. continues their sponsorship of future apprenticeship programs, Rene will play a key role in connecting Southland employers with RAP opportunities.

As I reflect on the OSS RAP, I am proud that the Chicago Southland Chamber of Commerce played an integral role in the development and success of OAI’s pilot apprenticeship program.

When done right, apprenticeships are a win-win for both employers and apprentices. They’re not just about filling a role—they’re about fostering growth, opportunity, and shaping the future of the workforce.

Terri L. Winfree Ph.D., President,
Chicago Southland Chamber of Commerce

Below are 2 short interviews about the Office Services Specialist Apprenticeship from a recent video:

Hi, my name is Nikki Smith. I am the HR Manager at Gotion Illinois New Energy. We are an electric vehicle battery manufacturer. We also manufacture energy storage systems.

Why join the Apprenticeship Program?

To have this opportunity in manufacturing was really neat.  I’m in Human Resources, but we also have an Administration Department specifically so we have administrative specialists. So, we’re just starting up in our plant. We have I think 85 employees as of yesterday so we will have future Administrative Specialists needs so this is great that we have hourly employees that can learn these skills to fill our openings in the future.

Would you recommend to other employers?

Yes, I would definitely recommend this. It’s a great opportunity for them to be able to take classes, especially having Governors State involved and then I didn’t know even before they signed up that they will be able to take the certification exam at the end which that is huge. I’m taking the HR certification exam myself so for them to get to do this, this I thought that was amazing. Like this is an extra bonus for them. I’ve never heard of another apprenticeship offering this so I was shocked and amazed, happily  amazed that they get to do that.

 

Susanna Vargas, Apprentice

My name is Susanna Vargas. I work for Gotion and I work on the Quality Technician team.

Would you recommend to coworkers?

It would help them learn more communication skills with the coworkers and better understand each other.

Watch the video here.

"THANK YOU" to the OAI team for supporting me through the 17-week Apprenticeship Training Program!  Each of the courses within the program has helped me build (and enhance) office skills that I can directly apply to my everyday work life. The program also focused on important interpersonal skills like integrity, morals, leadership, and values... Skills that are much needed in today’s society in order to succeed.  Because of the program, I feel more confident tackling everyday challenges and interacting with C-level executives, which has definitely enhanced my performance in my work.

Beyond the technical skills, this program has instilled a more positive mindset within me.  My Instructor (Erin Taylor) and the supportive environment of the entire OAI staff made learning enjoyable and inspiring.  That positivity has spilled over into both my professional and personal lives.  Because of the program, I now feel part of a network of continuous learning and growth, something that is invaluable to my career.

Thank you once again for this transformative experience. I’m excited to utilize the skills I've gained and thrilled to learn how they will shape my future and contribute to my career. I look forward to staying in touch and keeping you updated on my progress!

 

Sincerely,

Rene Velazquez, Membership Coordinator

Chicago Southland Chamber of Commerce