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.

Southworks has been a proud tradition in Chicago Southland for seven years, fostering regional collaboration between education and manufacturing. This initiative connects high schools, colleges, workforce development agencies, and industry leaders to equip students with the tools and opportunities for success in STEM and advanced manufacturing careers. Key partners include OAI, Inc., Governors State University School of Extended Learning, 3 Seeds Mentoring Group (3seeds3), Chicago Southland Economic Development Corporation, South Suburban College, Calumet Manufacturing Industrial Sector Partnership, Prairie State College, and Moraine Valley Community College.

Thank you, Amazon and Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership, for powering this year’s event.

On January 15, 2025, over 200 high school students from 17 schools gathered at the Hall of Governors at Governors State University for the annual Southworks Meet & Greet. They were joined by 25 representatives from 13 manufacturing businesses and three manufacturing workforce-related agencies, all with the shared mission of inspiring the next generation of skilled professionals in manufacturing and STEM fields.

The event commenced at 10:00 AM with a warm welcome from Dr. Beverly Schneller, Provost & Vice President of Academic Affairs at Governors State University, followed by a presentation by Reggie Greenwood from Governors State University. Jason Thomas from 3 Seeds Mentoring recapped the achievements of 2024 and provided a thrilling preview of the 2025 Robotics Competition. Industry representatives also briefly introduced themselves and their companies.

In addition to discussing career pathways, industry experts highlighted the importance of manufacturing registered apprenticeships as a direct path to high-wage, high-skill jobs. Representatives from workforce development organizations and apprenticeship sponsors provided students with information on structured training programs that combine classroom instruction with paid on-the-job learning. These apprenticeships offer a debt-free alternative to traditional college degrees, equipping young professionals with hands-on experience and industry-recognized credentials. The centerpiece of the program was a series of engaging roundtable discussions. Through three 15-minute sessions, students met and interacted directly with different industry professionals to explore career pathways and discuss the evolving skills needed for success in the modern manufacturing landscape. This interactive format fostered meaningful conversations and gave students valuable insights into potential career trajectories.

The success of the Southworks 2025 Meet & Greet would not have been possible without the dedicated efforts of participating schools, businesses, and workforce agencies. We extend our gratitude to the following schools for their enthusiastic participation: Reavis Community High School Dist 220 Educational Foundation, Thornton Township High School, Oak Forest High School, Tinley Park High School, Hillcrest High School, Rich Township High School District 227, Bremen High School, Carl Sandburg High School, Dwight D. Eisenhower High School, Alan B. Shepard High School, Harold L. Richards High School, Summit High School, and Delta Learning Center.

We also wish to acknowledge the outstanding contributions of the following companies:

• Amazon
• Sherwin-Williams
• National Tube Supply Co.
• CTO Enterprises
• Morrison Container Handling Solutions
• Mi-Jack Products
• Cleveland-Cliffs
• Gallagher Asphalt
• ITW
• Gotion Inc.
• Agrati Group
• Uesco Industries, Inc.
• D14 Aviation

Additionally, we thank the manufacturing workforce agencies for their integral and staff support: Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership, Calumet Area Industrial Commission, and Office of Apprenticeship (OA) at the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL).

A special thank you goes to Mayor Rick Reinbold from the Village of Richton Park, IL, for being a guest and for his continued support of this initiative. Your presence and encouragement have added immense value to our mission.

Together, we are building the future of manufacturing!

Elgin Community College (ECC) set out to design a Pre-Apprenticeship program that would benefit the community it serves - individuals seeking training that leads to employment in a shorter timeframe than traditional career training and education.

ECC's Pre-Apprenticeships core elements contain:

• Short-term - cohorts last only 7-days
• Industry-recognized credentials like OSHA-10, Forklift Driver, BLS CPR, Mental Health First Aid, and more
• Career exploration for a better understanding of long-term pathways, including employability or soft skills for the workplace
• Resume and interview skills workshops
• Opportunity to interview with local employers for open apprenticeships in a Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) supported by ECC.

Since later 2023, ECC has offered eight Pre-Apprenticeship programs serving more than 75 individuals seeking careers in manufacturing or health care. The Manufacturing Pre-Apprenticeship prepares individuals for industrial maintenance, CNC machining, or HVAC apprenticeships, while the Health Care Pre-Apprenticeship offers a pathway to a Certified Nurse Assistant apprenticeship. Fifteen employers have partnered on the pre-apprenticeship, conducting on-site interviews with candidates and recruiting new apprentices from the pre-apprenticeship pool.

ECC's pre-apprenticeship model offers a path to industry-recognized credentials and the opportunity to interview for available apprenticeships. The shorter timeframe is a manageable commitment for most people; the credentials are obtainable within that timeframe, and the skills provide an excellent foundation for additional training or education.

Pictured are students from a summer Health Care Pre-Apprenticeship specifically for high school students interested in this career path.

While the College of DuPage (COD) is a Registered Apprenticeship Program Sponsor and Intermediary, the institution partners with area employers with their own Registered Apprentice Programs (RAP). These companies who manage their own RAP can enhance their programs by partnering with the College of DuPage and the Project Hire-Ed team.

Project Hire-Ed serves as a conduit between education and employers by providing access and tools to employers and work-based learning experiences to students. Companies seeking to upskill their workforce will find support and guidance from the Project Hire-Ed team on course selection, registration, billing paperwork, and case-managed wrap-around services for their apprentice during the program.

One partner who has experienced the benefits of working with the College of DuPage for Related Technical Instruction for their company, RAP, is Nestlé.

In the dynamic manufacturing landscape, where technology continually advances and consumer demands evolve, Nestlé recognizes the imperative of cultivating highly skilled talent. Their commitment extends beyond operational excellence to positively impacting every market we serve. Through their apprenticeship program, they offer valuable career pathways to individuals who might otherwise lack such opportunities. This initiative empowers their workforce with cutting-edge skills and enhances productivity across their facilities, ensuring that Nestlé remains at the forefront of innovation and efficiency.

Nestlé has been partnering with Project Hire-Ed for over a year, sending their first apprentices in the fall semester of 2023. The company sent an additional apprentice the following semester and just started a fourth apprentice for the fall semester of 2024. These four apprentices are taking Related Technical Instruction courses at the College of DuPage, working toward certificates in Electronics Technology, Advanced Mechatronics, and Stationary Operator. The Project Hire-Ed staff worked closely with college faculty and Nestlé to help the company review course offerings and develop customer curriculum that best meets their training needs. According to Fulgencio Rico, a Training Supervisor at Nestlé, “One of the factors contributing to the success of our program is our collaboration with the Project Hire-Ed/the College of DuPage team. Their exceptional customer service during the school enrollment process and ongoing support for our apprentices is invaluable.”

When asked why employers with their RAP should consider College of DuPage for their Related Technical Instruction provider, Fulgencio said, “I believe that the wide range of programs and flexible learning options, including both online and classroom courses, provided by Project Hire-Ed / College of DuPage contribute to achieving a work-life balance for our apprentices. The expertise of the instructors and the comprehensive curriculum they offer have played a crucial role in the success of our apprentices.”

From a comprehensive program standpoint, Nestlé has observed significantly higher retention rates among apprentices than non-apprentices. Additionally, they have established a robust pipeline to address the gaps created by their eventual retirees.

Nestlé’s apprenticeship program offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience while earning a wage. Apprentices receive practical training, mentorship from highly skilled employees, and a direct path to career advancement with the world’s largest food and beverage company. By developing in-demand skills, these apprenticeships make individuals highly employable and set for long-term success with Nestlé.