• 2023
    11/16

    National Apprenticeship Week 2023

    Illinois is leading the Nation in proclamations and events this year! We have over 94 proclamations from the Governor, educational entities, municipalities, employers, unions, non-profits, and more. Additionally, over 231 events are being held around the State. You can find these proclamations and event information here. Register for one or more of the Apprenticeship Illinois webinars sponsored by the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity:

    • Friday, November 17th, 9:00 AM-10:00 AM Webinar: Highlighting Illinois Apprentices

    On Monday, Assistant Director Cameron Joost and the Illinois Workforce Innovation Board's (IWIB) Apprenticeship Committee Chair, Daniel Serota, presented Dr. Keith Cornille, President of Heartland Community College, with the Governor's National Apprenticeship Week Proclamation to officially kick off NAW. The U.S. Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship Director, Deb Cremeens-Risinger, presented the college with the approved and signed standards for their Registered Apprenticeship Program for Registered Nurses. Lavon Nelson, with the Illinois Community College Board, recognized Heartland, the employers, and apprentices for their commitment to expanding apprenticeships. And, to top it off, over 20 Apprentices from OSF, Rivian, Carle, Bridgestone, and Ferrero participated in the Apprentice Signing Ceremony!

    On Tuesday, the IWIB Apprenticeship Committee announced the 2024 Inaugural Apprentice Ambassador Cohort on the Apprenticeship Illinois social media platforms! You can find the recording and more information about the program here.

    Please welcome our 2024 apprentice ambassadors:

    1. Alan Rodriguez, Unite Here Local 1, Chicago, LinkedIn

    2. Kandis Draw, The HAP Foundation, Oak Brook, LinkedIn

    3. Aaron Henry, Zurich North America, Schaumburg, LinkedIn

    4. Millenia Wells, Memorial Hospital, Belleville, LinkedIn

    5. Gayle Edwards, Northwestern Medicine, Chicago, LinkedIn​

    6. Cody Myles, North American Lighting, Paris, LinkedIn

    7. Morgan Arnold, Aon Corporation, Chicago, LinkedIn

    8. Bianca Harmon, McDonald's, Chicago, LinkedIn

    9. Martha Martinez, Hyatt Regency McCormick Place, Chicago

    10. Zoe Pierce, Zeller Construction of Marion, Marion

    11. Nathan Shook, Accenture, West Peoria, LinkedIn

    Celebrate this National Apprenticeship Week with us. Sign up for a webinar! Find out more about the Apprentice Ambassadors! Check out the calendar and attend an event near you! Subscribe to Newsletters and connect with us on social media: 

  • 2023
    11/02

    Celebrate National Apprenticeship Week!

    National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) is November 13-19, 2023! NAW is a nationwide celebration where employers, industry associations, labor organizations, community-based organizations, workforce partners, educators, and government leaders come together and host events to showcase the success and value of Registered Apprenticeship as an integral element in rebuilding our economy, supporting employers with workforce needs, promoting racial and gender equity, creating pathways to quality jobs, and supporting underserved communities.

    Key Notes about NAW in Illinois:

    • Events:
      • Celebrate with Apprenticeship Illinois (Flyer):
      • Other Events: Find virtual and in-person National Apprenticeship Week events on the ApprenticeshipIllinois.com homepage by scrolling down to the calendar and clicking "more" to view a list of events. Or browse events on the Illinois NAW2023 page
    • Proclamations
      • Click here to find or submit Proclamations.
      • Apprenticeship supporters (such as cities/counties, educational institutes, industry/trade partners, etc.) are encouraged to participate and raise awareness during NAW by signing/submitting a proclamation. Templates are available on Apprenticeship Illinois. 
    • Apprentice Ambassador Program
      • The first cohort of Illinois Apprentice Ambassadors will be announced during National Apprenticeship Week! The Illinois Workforce Innovation Board's Apprenticeship Committee created the inaugural Apprentice Ambassador Program to serve as champions. The Ambassadors are comprised of diverse apprentices and apprentice graduates of all ages and backgrounds within the state and come from multiple industries. The Apprentice Ambassadors will promote apprenticeships to career seekers and employers. Learn more here. 
    • Social Media: Check us out on social media and tag us in posts! Use our Social Media Toolkit to spread the word with sample posts and pre-made graphics.