National Apprenticeship Week 2024: Expanding Apprenticeships to Open Doors for All
This National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) marks the 10th annual celebration of apprenticeships’ role in strengthening our workforce. As we reflect on the impact of these programs, the Chicago Jobs Council (CJC) remains focused on our mission to help individuals find their unique pathway out of poverty. Apprenticeships are critical pathways, and expanding access to them is essential. Although apprenticeships are often associated with construction and trades, they span thousands of occupations—from healthcare to tech—each offering a meaningful route to a stable, rewarding career.
To gain deeper insights into apprenticeship opportunities and challenges, we turned to Jennifer Foil, a leader in expansion and workforce development. As the Director of Policy and Programs at the Workforce Policy Lab at Northern Illinois University, Jennifer manages Illinois' efforts to grow apprenticeship opportunities through an intergovernmental agreement with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO). She advises DCEO on the use of U.S. Department of Labor apprenticeship expansion funds, supports the Illinois Workforce Innovation Board (IWIB) Apprenticeship Committee, and oversees technical assistance for grantees across the state. Alongside her team, she also collaborates with Illinois State University and Southern Illinois University to advance the work of the IWIB Apprenticeship Committee and maintain resources like ApprenticeshipIllinois.com.
As a member of the IWIB Apprenticeship Committee, CJC wanted to know what we could amplify awareness around during NAW. In our conversation, Foil emphasized the ongoing need for more employers to embrace apprenticeships, noting that many hesitate due to misconceptions about the time and investment required. The purpose of this blog is to share the valuable insights provided by Foil, highlight the resources available on the Apprenticeship Illinois website, and encourage employers to explore how they can start an apprenticeship program in their company.
These myths are a summary of a resource provided by Jennifer Foil and her team.
What Employers Need to Know About Apprenticeships
Contrary to what many believe, creating an apprenticeship program doesn’t have to be a “heavy lift” for employers. In Illinois, apprenticeship specialists work statewide to simplify the process and ease the burden on businesses. These specialists help design and implement tailored programs, connecting employers to supportive resources and community partners—all at no cost to the employer. With the right support, an apprenticeship program can fit seamlessly into an organization’s hiring model and align with their unique industry needs.
Apprenticeship programs can be surprisingly flexible, too. Additional training for the apprentice doesn’t have to only take place at a college; it can be online or adapted to fit an organization’s needs. Moreover, while apprentices are paid from day one, studies show that many companies start seeing a return on their investment before the apprentice completes their program. As a bonus, one study conducted in 2020 by Jobs for the Future (JFF), The Next-Gen IMT Apprenticeship: A Return on Investment Study, suggests that apprenticeships help build morale, even giving a mentor employee a sense of purpose and hope for the future.
Image taken from Apprenticeships Illinois website.
Meeting Workforce Demand with More Employers Onboard
With approximately 85% of apprenticeship opportunities in Illinois currently concentrated in the construction and trades sectors, it’s clear that many industries are underutilizing this workforce model. Yet, there is a need for more apprenticeships, and by diversifying apprenticeship offerings, we open doors to a wider range of careers for job seekers, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds who stand to benefit the most from these pathways. In 2025, Foil and her team would like to see the number of apprenticeships in Illinois grow, and the diversity of industries continue to expand.
CJC is here to advocate for this need as well. We are dedicated to increasing employer engagement, helping them understand the benefits of apprenticeships, and, ultimately, expanding these pathways to reach more communities. For employers interested in building an apprenticeship program that’s right for them, we encourage visiting the Apprenticeship Illinois website and exploring the employer resources available. Together, we can make apprenticeships an accessible, valuable option for all.
