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

CEJA: SER proudly recognizes the dedication and perseverance of eleven unique individuals who reside either in an EJC or R3 zone and have taken a significant step toward career advancement by enrolling in SER's CEJA Hub, receiving120-hour soft skills training focused on Clean Energy. This intensive training is designed to equip participants with barriers to employment with essential workplace competencies, including communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and professional adaptability, which are critical for long-term success in the clean energy sector. The individuals —1. Viola King, 2. Malcolm Washington, 3. Anthony Vergara, 4. Angel Zarazua, 5. Jeffery Ratleph, 6. Donald Akins, 7. Saul Aranda, 8. Abraham Delgado, 9. Inocente Dircio, 10. Dominique Ellis, and 11. Esmeralda Barrera—have all demonstrated a strong commitment to personal and professional growth, holding a 100% attendance rate for February.

Haizhu Peng O Sullivan has always dreamed of opening her own restaurant business. Although she had previously attempted to start her business, those efforts were unsuccessful due to a lack of knowledge. In her quest for improvement, she learned about the Immigrant/Refugee Restaurant Job Training Program and wanted to gain more insights into the restaurant industry to build her skills.

With the program's support, she aimed to pursue her goal with more knowledge and confidence. Throughout the training, she acquired vital skills in restaurant management, food safety, and cooking techniques. The instructors provided her with guidance and immense support when she had questions about opening a restaurant. Additionally, she earned a ServSafe Food Protection Manager certification through the program.

With her newfound knowledge and confidence, Haizhu continued to pursue her dream and felt much more prepared to open her business. After completing the training program, she successfully opened a ramen restaurant called Umaka Ramen in Lisle, Illinois.

Qi Hua (Eva) Liang has worked in the hotel and service industry for over twenty years. She has always dreamed of opening her own restaurant and becoming a business owner. When she learned about the Immigrant/Refugee Restaurant Job Training Program, she was eager to join. Eva was motivated to gain knowledge in restaurant management, develop her front-of-house and cashier skills, and enhance her cooking expertise.

Throughout the training program, she acquired many technical skills and knowledge of the requirements and regulations necessary for opening her own business, which prepared her to launch her restaurant with confidence. The instructors were consistently supportive, providing guidance and advice on how to open a restaurant.

After completing the training program, Eva left her hotel job, where she had worked for decades. She earned a ServSafe Food Protection Manager certificate and opened her own Chinese restaurant, Lang Hua Inc., in Homer Glen, IL.

Mikayla White, affectionately known as Micky, proudly embarked on her journey with Chicago Women in Trades (CWIT) on January 15, 2024. During the initial one-on-one assessment, one key question was to detail their strengths. Micky responded enthusiastically with their naturally confident demeanor, saying, "I am a fast learner, driven, determined, smart, confident, likable, and, of course, charming." With a clear vision of their future, Micky set specific and ambitious goals for themselves, stating, "In three months, I will complete this training program; in six months, I will be employed as a metal worker; and in a year, I will either be accepted into an apprenticeship or be on the waiting list."

On March 22, 2024, Micky achieved a significant milestone by completing the rigorous 10-week classroom training program Chicago Women in Trades offered. This program equipped them with the essential skills required for a successful trade career and earned them respected credentials, including those from the American Welding Society and OSHA-10. The comprehensive curriculum included necessary career readiness skills such as interview preparation, resume writing assistance, financial literacy, and practical mock interviews. These elements ensured that Micky was well-prepared to secure employment in their chosen field. Micky's determination bore fruit on April 9, 2024, when Micky successfully obtained training-related employment at Freedmen Seating, where they began earning an impressive hourly wage of $22.00. As of 2025, Micky continues to thrive in their role while pursuing advanced certifications to enhance their skills and professional experience further.

In addition to Micky's personal and professional growth, Micky has shown unwavering dedication to the CWIT community. Micky has committed their time and efforts by volunteering for several events and workshops organized by Chicago Women in Trades, reflecting their appreciation for the support and opportunities they have received. Micky's journey exemplifies their personal ambition and commitment to uplifting other women in the welding trades.

Alena Pegues enthusiastically joined Chicago Women in Trades (CWIT) on January 23, 2023. During a one-on-one assessment, she was asked why she was interested in welding compared to other trades. Alena replied, "I am inspired by my mom, who aspired to be a certified plumber, and my dad, a carpenter and handyman. I love building with my hands and want to do something impactful to show my kids someday." When asked to describe herself in three words, Alena said, "I am confident, caring, and thoughtful. I'm also honest, charming, soft-spoken, and a Taurus, living my life going with the flow of my spirit."

On March 31, 2023, Alena completed the CWIT 10-week classroom training program, earning American Welding Society and OSHA-10 credentials. This comprehensive training included essential career readiness skills such as interview preparation, resume assistance, financial literacy, and mock interviews, which equipped Alena to secure training-related employment. After her mock interviews, Alena received positive employer feedback and was recognized as one of the best interviewers. Her hard work paid off when, after meeting with an employer on May 22, 2023, she secured a full-time position at S&C Electric as a Certified Welder, starting with an hourly wage of $21.00.

To continue enhancing her skill set, Alena has taken full advantage of the weekly CWIT Advanced Skills Seminar for alumni. During her visit in October 2023, she proudly reported a raise from $22.00 to $27.00 while remaining with the same employer. Alena also enjoys giving back to the community by visiting the CWIT welding class to share encouragement, discuss her current job roles, and recount her work experiences.

In addition to her welding achievements, the supportive services team interviewed Alena and accepted her into the 2024 Millwright Pre-Apprenticeship Program in collaboration with the Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council Training Center. To facilitate her transition into the Millwright profession, Alena received tools provided by CWIT. Alena commenced the training program on August 26, 2024, and completed it on September 13, 2024.

As a result of her dedication and hard work, Alena is now a first-year Millwright apprentice as of 2025.

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!