Apprentice Ambassador Details

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Core Expectations
Apprentice Ambassador must agree to meet core expectations:
​✓ Commit to a one-year term, beginning January 2024 and ending December 2024.
​✓ Complete at least one regional outreach activity.
✓ Attend the following events:
  • In-person kickoff event in February 2024.
  • Three in-person meetings in Chicago or Springfield.
  • Quarterly virtual meetings with the IWIB Apprenticeship Committee.
  • Up to three virtual meetings for professional development.
​✓ Photo, name, title, and name of apprenticeship employer are publicized on the ApprenticeshipIllinois.com website and included in press releases.
✓ Share perspectives on apprenticeship programs and experiences.
✓ Work closely with the IWIB Apprenticeship Committee’s Apprentice Workgroup leader, who oversees participation in the Initiative and coordinates selected outreach activities for core expectations.
✓ Maintain professionalism, open communication, and transparency with apprenticeship employer for participation in this Initiative.
Selection Criteria
Apprentice Ambassador must:
✓ Submit a complete application.
✓ Employer completes the Apprenticeship Employer Ambassador application/commitment.
✓ Receive written authorization for participation from a parent/legal guardian (if under age 18 and not emancipated).
✓ Be a current apprentice in Illinois for at least 6 months or a graduated apprentice from an Illinois program within 2 years of the application.
✓ Be from a good-standing program showing leadership, mentorship, teamwork, and/or a transformative story.
​✓ Make a year-long commitment to promote apprenticeship programs from the ambassador appointment date.
✓ Work in an industry/occupation similar to the apprenticeship program (if graduated).
Additional Selection Criteria: Apprentices are selected based on their represented sectors, location, and application responses. The Apprenticeship Illinois Committee aims to choose one apprentice from each region to engage apprentices from diverse industries, genders, and racial/ethnic backgrounds. Only one application will be accepted per company.​

At any time, the apprentice/graduate, apprenticeship employer, or parent/legal guardian (if under age 18 and not emancipated) may request to remove the apprentice/graduate's application from consideration or request withdrawal from participation in the Initiative. All applications require signatures from the apprentice/graduate, Registered Apprenticeship sponsor, and parent/legal guardian (if applicable).

Employer Commitment
​​Apprenticeship Employer Ambassador Commitment:
​✓ Agrees to support the apprentice/graduate’s participation as an Apprenticeship Ambassador in the IWIB Apprenticeship Committee's Apprentice Workgroup, which includes:
  • Provide paid time off to attend quarterly virtual or in-person meetings and regional outreach events.
  • Provide access to a computer and internet for virtual meetings.
✓ The employer is invited to in-person meetings and may be invited to join industry groups or other apprenticeship events, where appropriate. They may be invited to speak at events to share the employer's perspective.
 ✓ Employer name, company logo, and photo may be publicized on the ApprenticeshipIllinois.com website and included in press releases. Success stories highlighting the apprentice/graduate and their experience may also be featured and shared with State leadership.
✓ Affirms their apprenticeship program is either registered with the U.S. Department of Labor or meets the following criteria:
  1. Employ and pay the apprentice for full-time work with on-the-job learning.
  2. At least one year in length.
  3. Provides the apprentice with a mentor.
  4. Supplemental coursework or training with on-the-job learning.
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First Cohort Materials
Applications were accepted until October 24, 2023 for the first Cohort.
  • Apprentice Ambassador Program Description (PDF)
  • Apprentice Ambassador Program Webinar PPT (PDF)
  • Apprentice Ambassador Announcement Webinar (Recording)
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Future Announcements
​​Subscribe to the Apprenticeship Illinois Bulletin and follow us on social media to stay informed of future announcements.