Dear Colleagues,
National Apprenticeship Week 2026 was a powerful demonstration of Illinois' commitment to expanding apprenticeship and work-based learning. I'm proud to share a few highlights from what we accomplished together.
This year, Illinois hosted 80+ events statewide, received 140+ proclamations, including the Governor's, from organizations, counties, unions, townships, community colleges, local workforce areas, and more, and earned 35+ news articles highlighting apprenticeship across the state.
Events ranged from apprentice appreciation or signing days at Illinois Central College, Lake Land College, Parkland College, and College of DuPage; to open houses at North Central Illinois Finishing Trades Institute, Mid America Carpenters Apprenticeship and Training Quad Cities Campus, and District Council Training Center; an employer appreciation breakfast at Harper College; a cybersecurity apprenticeship showcase at Aspiritech with legislators and community leaders; and virtual webinars by Zurich North America, IMEC, and the Effingham Regional Growth Alliance. The week also coincided with a landmark announcement: Governor Pritzker, IBM, City Colleges of Chicago, and the Chicagoland Workforce Funder Alliance launched Chicago Moonshot to accelerate apprenticeships and create clear pathways to in-demand tech careers, with IBM as the first employer anchor at the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park. Throughout the week, Illinois Apprentice Ambassadors lent their voices at events across the state, and Apprenticeship Illinois amplified the momentum through an expansive social media presence.
Personally, it was a privilege to have Aon host a Chicago Apprentice Network event during the week, bringing together local apprentices, employers, and partners to celebrate the work happening right here in Chicago. Moments like that remind me why this work matters.
Thank you to everyone who made this week possible. The momentum is real, and the work continues.
Warm regards,
Daniel Serota
Vice President of Government and Public Affairs, Aon
Chair, IWIB Work-Based Learning and Apprenticeship Committee
