Employers

1. Can I submit multiple Apprentices for my company?
   
   
   One apprentice will be admitted per company.​
   
2. What is required from the employer for the Apprentice Ambassador program?
   
   
   • Employers should allow time off for mandatory Apprentice Ambassador professional development events listed in the application documents. Additionally, employers should allow Ambassadors time off to attend business engagement events. Advance employer approval is required to book any such business engagement event.
   • We ask that there be a designated point of contact at the company who can respond to program requests or, if needed, facilitate outreach to the Ambassador: the “employer sponsor.”
   • We encourage employers to sponsor Ambassador activities and travel as work-related costs, to make the experience for the Ambassador more seamless.
   • We invite you to participate in events along with the Ambassador, if your schedule permits.
     
3. Why should my business participate in the Apprentice Ambassador Program?
   
   
   • Employers who sponsor an Apprentice Ambassador are featured on the Apprenticeship Illinois website (ApprenticeshipIllinois.com​), social media, The Apprentice Perspective Podcast​, and at events.
     
   • Ambassadors are often showcased in interviews, public speaking events, and other promotional opportunities, and have multiple opportunities to highlight how their company has supported their apprenticeship journey.
     
   • Participation is a tangible sign to the community that your company takes employee growth seriously and provides leadership development and personal growth opportunities.
     
   • Provides employees with valuable leadership training and practical experiences to apply it.
     

General

1. How do the Ambassadors receive professional development?
   
   
   The cohort meets virtually for a monthly lunch-hour meeting. During this time, Ambassadors are trained in public speaking, public relations, leadership skills, avoiding burnout, verbal de-escalation, and more. These meetings are mandatory for Ambassadors.​
   
2. Is the Ambassador Program seeking to highlight certain apprenticeship occupations?
   
   
   No. The goal of the program is to include as wide a variety of Ambassadors as possible. This includes occupation/industry type, geographic location, and background.​
   
3. What does the application process look like?
   
   
   Prospective Ambassadors submit their information via the application form​. This application is open year-round.
   

   
   

   Each cohort is selected by program leadership in mid-October or early November. Please see the application form for more detailed deadlines.
   
4. What is the cost of the program?
   
   
   This is a no-cost program. The monthly professional development sessions are fully funded for the Ambassador’s benefit.
   

   
   

   The program, however, encourages employers to subsidize Ambassador travel to business engagement events, where they will be featured speakers. These business engagement events are optional. They are, however, the heart of the program, as the goal is to allow the Ambassador’s story to persuade businesses that may be on the fence to expand or create apprenticeship programs for Illinoisans.
   
5. What will the Ambassador get out of this program?
   
   
   • All Ambassadors will receive professional development on skills such as public speaking, social media footprint, professional networking, media interviews, the Illinois workforce development system, and the Work-Based Learning & Apprenticeship Committee of the Illinois Workforce Innovation Board.
     
   • Ambassadors will have multiple opportunities to speak at public events, or other opportunities, on apprenticeship, engage with business leaders, and continue to refine their soft skills.
     
   • Ambassadors will also be assigned a mentor, who will meet with them regularly to provide support and connect them to relevant opportunities.​
     
6. Who can I contact with questions about the Apprenticeship Ambassador program?
   
   
   Please reach out to iwibwbla@ilstu.edu.