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