Apprenticeship Illinois Bootcamp 2025

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​Woman Collaboration
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​The Apprenticeship Bootcamp is the State’s flagship event for capacity building, professional development, and peer collaboration. Each year, it brings together more than 150 education, workforce, and economic development partners across Illinois for two days of hands-on training, networking, and shared learning.

This year’s Bootcamp focuses on providing practical strategies, tangible tools, and actionable takeaways. Whether you’re new to apprenticeship or looking to grow established efforts, you’ll leave with the skills and confidence to more effectively engage employers, strengthen partnerships, and expand high-quality pathways for Illinois career seekers.

Join us on October 8-9, 2025 for an interactive experience connecting peers across the state and strengthening Illinois’ apprenticeship ecosystem. The $50 registration fee includes catered lunches and coffee both days.​ Check out the Save the Date Flyer​!
​ Apprenticeship Illinois Logo

Address: Moraine Valley Community College
9000 West College Pkwy, Palos Hills, IL
Building M - Level 1 Moraine Rooms​
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Apprenticeship Illinois Bootcamp Welcomes National Business Engagement Trainers
​The annual Apprenticeship Illinois Bootcamp, hosted by DCEO’s Office of Employment and Training, strengthens workforce stakeholders’ skills and fosters collaboration around work-based learning. This year’s theme, “From Outreach to Impact,” features two nationally recognized trainers:
  • Angela Baker – Workforce development and apprenticeship SME with 17+ years’ experience. She sponsors apprenticeship programs in St. Louis and leads IT/cyber apprenticeship expansion with Safal Partners.
  • Aaron Leson – Director of Training & Development at TAD Grants, known nationwide for coaching and training thousands of professionals in workforce development through authentic communication and relationship-building.
In addition to these sessions, participants will gain policy, data, and funding insights, explore best practices and success stories, and network with peers statewide. A special “Apprenticeships 101” pre-conference is available for those new to work-based learning.
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2025 Apprenticeship Bootcamp Agenda
​​The Agenda can be downloaded here.
Day One - Building Strong Foundations
​​Session/Materials
​​Presenter(s)
​Pre-Conference: Apprenticeship 101
Nate Carlson, NIU
State-Level Developments & Funding​
​Julio Rodriguez, DCEO
Whitney Thompson, ICCB
​Case Studies & Strategies for Successful Employer Engagement
​John Hall, Workforce Board of Will County (LWIA 10)
​Apprenticeship Tax Credit
​Sergio Talavera, DCEO
​Roundtable & Town Hall Discussion
Participants
​National Trainer - Scaling Employer Engagement for Registered Apprenticeship Success
​Angela Baker, Safal Partners
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​Day Two - Developing Expertise
​​Session/Materials​
​​Presenter(s)
Legislation & Policy Updates / IWIB WBLA Vision
Daniel Serota, Aon and IWIB WBLA
​State of Registered Apprenticeship in Illinois & Other Data
​Brian Richard, NIU
Jennifer Foil, NIU
​Implementing Train-the-Trainer Services for Businesses & RAPs
Bonnie Moore, Lake Land College​
​Registered Apprenticeship - Business Services Coordinator
​Justin Arnold, East Central Illinois Workforce Board (LWIA 17)
Taylor Black, Champaign County Regional Planning Commission (LWIA 17)
​National Trainer - How to Turn Big Ideas Into Action: Business Strategies & Operating a True Demand-Driven System - Made Practical
​Aaron Leson, TAD Grants

​​Acronyms:
  • DCEO = Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
  • ICCB = Illinois Community College Board
  • IWIB = Illinois Workforce Innovation Board
  • LWIA = Local Workforce Innovation Area
  • NIU = Northern Illinois University
  • RAP = Registered Apprenticeship Program
  • WBLA = Work-Based Learning & Apprenticeship
  • WIOA = Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act