In Quarter 3 of 2023, local partners (East Central Illinois Workforce Board, Champaign County Regional Planning Commission, Parkland College, IMEC, and Jobs for the Future) collaborated with Apprenticeship Illinois to host an "apprenticeship accelerator" for area employers. The event presented information on registered apprenticeships, the workforce development system, and training providers. The event was well-attended, and many employers were interested in follow-up conversations.