Apprenticeship Week 2017

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National Apprenticeship Week
​​The third annual National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) was celebrated November 13-19, 2017. The nationwide opportunity allows businesses, trade and labor groups, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and other critical partners to showcase apprenticeship support. Events and activities include open houses, community forums, industry roundtables, and more. NAW highlights the benefits of apprenticeships in preparing a highly skilled workforce to meet the talent needs of employers across diverse industries.
Over 59+ were events held, ranking Illinois as #1 to hold events. View the Department of Labor's NAW 2017 Report.

Event Summary

Michael Barth (thyssenkrupp), Ronda Kliman (DOL), Kevin Pierce (LWIA23), Toriana Rhone (CCRPC), Pam Furlan (IWP), Julio Rodrigue

The Illinois Workforce Innovation Board Apprenticeship Committee and Illinois Workforce Partnership (IWP) jointly hosted an event, “Apprenticeship: A New Vision,” on November 15, 2017 at Parkland College in Champaign, Illinois. Approximately 100 people attended, representing 18 community colleges, 17 workforce development agencies, 9 private sector businesses, and others, including community organizations, K-12 education, and state agencies. Ronda Kliman, with the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) Office of Apprenticeship, presented along with various spotlights.

Paul Thompson, with Harold Washington College (City Colleges of Chicago), spoke on partnering with community colleges to support apprentices and employers.

Erin Steva, with the Young Invincibles, presented key strategies for making apprenticeships work for Illinois’ young adults.

Michael Barth, with thyssenkrupp Presta Danville, spoke about how their company created youth apprenticeships and the lessons learned to make a stronger program.

Julio Rodriguez, Deputy Director for the Office of Employment and Training at the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), advocated using apprenticeships as a workforce strategy to connect Illinois workers to a career, not a job.

Whitney Thompson, with the Illinois Community College Board, and Patrick Campbell, with DCEO, announced funding opportunities available to community colleges, businesses, and intermediaries.

The event was moderated by Pam Furlan, President of IWP, and organized by Kevin Pierce (LWIA 23) and Toriana Rhone (Champaign County Regional Planning Commission).
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National Apprenticeship Week 2017 Logo.png




Event Materials
  • ​Meeting Agenda (PDF)
  • Apprenticeship One-Pager (PDF)
  • Apprenticeships in Illinois (PDF)
  • Workforce Strategy to Career Pathways (PDF)
  • Apprenticeships in Business at Harold Washington College (PDF)
  • Building Better Apprenticeships for the Next Generation (PDF)
  • Expanding Apprenticeship in America: Office of Apprenticeship (PDF)
  • ICCB's Vision for Apprenticeships and Funding Opportunities (PDF)
  • thyssenkrupp Youth Apprenticeship Program (PDF)
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Resources
  • Benefits and Costs of Apprenticeship: Business Perspective (PDF)
  • Making Youth Apprenticeships Work for Illinois’ Young Adults Summary (PDF)
  • Building & Marketing Modern Youth-Oriented Apprenticeship Programs (PDF)