Workforce Partners

Apprenticeship Expansion Competitive Grant Program Notice of Funding Opportunity

The Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity will support high-impact Apprenticeship Intermediaries that help businesses create, launch, and expand apprenticeship opportunities. Eligible applicants include community-based organizations, municipalities, education institutions (e.g., school districts, community colleges), industry associations, state agencies, workforce boards, and nonprofits. Submit applications by March 21, 2025. Learn about the NOFO and attend an information session.
  • Virtual: ​February 18, 2025 at 2:00pm - Register Here
  • In-Person - Chicago: February 24, 2025 at 9:00am - Register Here
  • In-Person - Springfield: February 28, 2025 at 9:00am - Register Here​​​​
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Lunch & Learn Webinar Series​
Join Apprenticeship Illinois on Tuesdays at noon for the Lunch & Learn webinar series! The Winter/Spring 2025 series will showcase the ongoing work of Apprenticeship Specialists​ throughout the state. The Summer/Fall 2024 series featured various topics and guest presenters.
​Winter/Spring ​​2025 Lunch & Learn Webinar Series Materials:
  • 2/4/2025 - Apprenticeship Illinois Regional Showcase (LWIA 7) - Coming Soon
  • 1/21/2025 - Apprenticeship Illinois Regional Showcase (LWIA 4) (PPT)
  • 1/14/2025 - ​Apprenticeship Illinois Regional Showcase (LWIA 3) (PPT)
  • 1/7/2025 - Apprenticeship Illinois Regional Showcase (LWIA 1) (PPT​)​​
Summer/Fall 2024 Lunch & Learn Webinar Series Materials:​
  • 12/10/2024 - Yearly Check-Up: Reflections & Advice from Illinois' Healthcare Apprenticeships (PPT​)
  • 11/12/2024 - National Apprenticeship Week Showcase (PP​T​)
  • 10/22/2024 - Educating Educators: A Case Study of K-12 Apprenticeships (PP​​T​)
  • 10/15/2024 - Thinking Local: Working​ with Chambers & EDCs (P​​PT​)
  • 10/8/2024 - Utilizing Data for Effective Business Outreach (PDF​)
  • 10/1/2024 - Youth Apprenticeship, CTE, & Secondary Education (P​​​PT​)
  • 9/17/2024 - Collaborate with IDHS-DRS on RAP & Outreach Development - Coming Soon
  • 9/10/2024 - Working with High-Impact Intermediaries & Community Colleges (PPT​)
  • ​8/27/2024 - Guidance for Collaborating with DOL Office of Apprenticeship (PPT​)
  • ​8/13/2024 - Engage IBST Partners for Successful Partnership (PPT​)
  • 7/30/2024 - Best Practices for Employer Recruitment (PPT​)
    • Listening to Employers Guide ​(PDF​)
  • 7/23/2024 - Apprenticeship Fundamentals (PP​​​​​T​)