Career Seekers

National Apprenticeship Week 2024​​
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Discover Apprenticeship: Earn While you Learn​

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WHAT IS APPRENTICESHIP?
Check out the Apprenticeship Illinois Apprentice Playbook​ to learn what an apprenticeship is, where to find a program, how to get apprenticeship-ready, and resources to help.


Apprenticeship is an industry-driven, high-quality career pathway where employers can develop and prepare their future workforce, and individuals can obtain paid work experience, classroom instruction, and a portable, nationally-recognized credential. 

There are five key components of an apprenticeship. These components differentiate apprenticeships from other types of workplace training programs in several ways: 

  1. Paid Job - Get paid to learn while earning a wage as you develop new skills.
  2. Work-Based Learning - Gain structured on-the-job learning to prepare for a successful career.
  3. Classroom Learning - Most opportunities include classroom instruction and provide college credit while avoiding student debt.
  4. Mentorship - Gain workplace-relevant skills through on-the-job learning and under the supervision of an experienced mentor.
  5. Credentials - Earn a portable, nationally-recognized credential within your industry.

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Find a Program
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Illinois Initiatives
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Why Become an Apprentice?
Paid Job
Paid Job

Earn as you learn with a guranteed wage increase as you develop new skills

Credentials

Credentials

Receive an industry-recognized and nationally-portable credential

Jumpstart Your Career

Jumpstart Your Career

Ease the transition from school to career by working and learning at the same time

Education

Education

Gain workplace-relevant skills in the field of your choice through on-the-job training
Degree Potential

Degree Potential

Get academic credit towards a college degree for the skills you learn while avoiding student debt​
Mentorship

Mentorship

Connect with mentor(s) in your chosen industry who can help you advance your career​

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Apprenticeship Success Stories
Participant Success Stories highlight an individual’s success in completing an apprenticeship program that helped them reach their career, training, and/or employment goal.