Apprenticeship Illinois Bootcamp 2026

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​​The Apprenticeship Illinois Bootcamp is an annual experiential learning conference designed to strengthen workforce partnerships, inspire innovative program development, and educate key stakeholders and workforce professionals on the possibilities and promise of U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) Registered Apprenticeship Programs and other work-based learning pathways.

​As the State’s flagship event for capacity building, professional development, and peer collaboration, this gathering brings together more than 150 partners from education, workforce, and economic development across Illinois for two days of interactive training, networking, and collaborative learning.

This year’s Bootcamp emphasizes practical strategies, tangible tools, and actionable takeaways. Whether new to apprenticeship or looking to grow established efforts, participants will leave with the skills and confidence to engage employers effectively, strengthen partnerships, and expand high-quality pathways for Illinois career seekers.​

Logistics:​ The Bootcamp took place on ​​October 13, 2026 from 9:00am-4:30pm and October 14, 2026 from 9:00am-2:00pm at the Bone Student Center at Illinois State University (200 North University Street, Normal, Illinois​ 61761).​
​ Apprenticeship Illinois Logo
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Agenda

​View the full Apprenticeship Bootcamp Agenda​ for details about sessions, trainers, and presenters.

Day One
Calendar October 13, 2026  Clock 9:00am-4:30pm
Session/Materials
Presenter(s)
Morning Mainstage
Welcome
  • Julio Rodriguez, Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity
Opening Keynote - The Future of Work Depends on Who Gets a Chance: Apprenticeship in an AI Economy
  • Daniel Serota, Aon and Illinois Workforce Innovation Board Work-Based Learning & Apprenticeship Committee
​Compression Planning Introduction
  • Curt Rendall, Heartland Community College
  • Nate Carlson, Northern Illinois University​
From Employer Interest to Lasting Impact: Framework for Sustainable Apprenticeship
  • Rebecca Daurio, RADD Training
The Voice of the Apprentice: Panel on Illinois' Apprentice Ambassadors and Their Employers
  • ​Sheryl Morris, Illinois Workforce Innovation Board Work-Based Learning & Apprenticeship Committee
  • Jarrod Gayheart, Birkey's
  • Ayman Faruqi, Northwestern Medicine
Breakout Session #1
Building Talent Pipelines Through Strategic Incumbent Worker Investments and Apprenticeship Alignment
  • ​Sara Espeland, Lake County Workforce Development
  • Omar Ramirez, Lake County Workforce Development
Breaking Silos: Adult Education and Workforce Development Alignment
  • ​Angelique Maguire, Illinois Eastern Community Colleges
The ROI of Kindness: How Equitable Apprenticeships Return Dividends
  • Tara May, Aspiritech
Breakout Session #2
Building Bridges to Opportunities: Comprehensive Workforce Development Model for Economic Growth
  • ​Sara Espeland, Lake County Workforce Development
  • Omar Ramirez, Lake County Workforce Development
District-Led Intermediary Hub: Scaling High-Growth Youth Apprenticeships via the Illinois Quality Framework for Youth Apprenticeships
  • ​Barb Kain, High School District 214
  • Kathy Gannon, High School District 214
Building Awareness and Utilization of Registered Apprenticeships in Illinois: Showcase of SHRM Foundation, Illinois SHRM, and Apprenti Progress
  • Robert Lemke, Illinois State Council for the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)
Afternoon Mainstage
Built by Business: How One Region's Sector Partnerships Solve Its Own Talent Crisis
  • Kim Kuchenbrod
  • Mike Baker, Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity
Day One Closing Remarks
  • John Barr, Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity

 
Day Two
Calendar October 14, 2026  Clock 9:00am-2:00pm
Session/Materials
Presenter(s)
Morning Mainstage
Pre-Conference Learning Session: Apprenticeship 101
  • Nate Carlson, Northern Illinois University
Where Learning Meets Production: Building a Sustainable Apprenticeship Cohort
  • Dr. Gina De rosier-Cook, Elgin Community College
Breakout Session #3
How Customized Apprenticeships and a Pillars of Support Model Drive Program Success at Zurich North America
  • ​Susan Meehan, Zurich North America
  • David Jaeger, Zurich North America
  • Sirena Arnaout, Zurich North America
Expanding Early Childhood Education Opportunities Through Apprenticeships
  • ​Julie Brancaleon, Joliet Junior College
  • John Hall, Workforce Services Division of Will County
  • Patrick Hall, Joliet Junior College
  • Dain Meza-Gotto, Joliet Junior College
Making Multi-Partner Pathways Work: Connecting High School, College, and Employers
  • ​Dr. Michael Kuhn, Des Plaines Valley Region
  • Ericka Kouba, Des Plaines Valley Region
  • Dr. Paul Jensen, Triton College
  • Frank Holthouse, Leyden High School District 212
Breakout Session #4
Recipe for Opportunity: How High School CTE, Industry, and Apprenticeship Create Culinary Careers
  • ​Collin Ruthe, The Workforce Connection
  • Berenice Jaquez, The Workforce Connection
  • Jay Rosati, Rosati's Pizza
Who Does What? Building Flexible Agreements for High-Performing Apprenticeships
  • ​Curt Rendall, Heartland Community College
  • Veronica Inselmann, Heartland Community College
Creating a Teacher Pipeline with Apprenticeship Programs
  • Elizabeth Ketchum, McKendree University
Afternoon Mainstage
From Pilot to Talent Strategy: What Employers and Apprentices Need from Illinois
Employer Representatives:
  • Ian Barnes, Rivian Automotive
  • Lynn Lambert, Caterpillar, Inc.
  • Matt Riehle, Westminster Village and Its Foundation
  • Hayley Aeschleman, OSF Healthcare​​
Apprentice/Apprentice Graduate Representatives:
  • ​Michael Mitrisin, Rivian Automotive
  • Cassandra Meyers, Caterpillar, Inc.
  • Savannah May, Westminster Village​​
​Compression Planning Conclusion
  • ​Curt Rendall, Heartland Community College
  • Nate Carlson, Northern Illinois University​
Bootcamp Close
  • Kelly Lapetino, ​Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity
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Resources​​

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External Links
​Illinois Department of Human Services Division of Rehabilitation Services:
U.S. Department of Labor:
WorkforceGPS:
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Videos​
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​Acronyms:​​
  • DCEO = Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity
  • ​D​OL = U.S. Department of Labor
  • CTE = Career and Technical Education
  • IDES = Illinois Department of Employment Security
  • ISBE = Illinois State Board of Education
  • IWIB = Illinois Workforce Innovation Board
  • LWIA = Local Workforce Innovation Area
  • ROI = Return on Investment
  • WBLA = Work-Based Learning and Apprenticeship
  • WIOA = Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act
​Past Apprenticeship Illinois Bootcamps: