Illinois Degree Apprenticeships

Program Description:  

Illinois invests in a comprehensive network of apprenticeship programs and infrastructure, creating both educational and economic opportunities to prosper. Illinois defines an apprenticeship as a “high-quality, industry-driven career pathway in which employers prepare their future workforce, and individuals gain paid work experience, earn wages, and receive classroom instruction.” Like any registered apprenticeship, Illinois apprenticeships can be time-based, competency-based, or a combination of both, allowing for flexibility and leading to high completion rates. Apprenticeship programs combine work alongside instruction, where the instruction can take place before, during, or after work in a classroom, on site at work, or online. Some apprenticeships are directly sponsored by employers, industry associations, community colleges, or labor unions, providing additional support and ensuring participants are progressing.   

Critically, there is no apprenticeship without an employer willing to hire and train someone. That is why Illinois has spent over a decade investing in both sides of the apprenticeship ecosystem, not just supporting individuals looking for a pathway, but building the infrastructure that creates those opportunities. The state funds a network of Apprenticeship Specialists who work directly with employers to help them launch and grow programs. At the same time, Illinois funds intermediaries, including community colleges, industry associations, and nonprofits, who help connect more people, both youth and adults, to apprenticeship opportunities. This two-sided strategy builds the supply of employer opportunities and builds the pipeline of people ready to fill them. 

That dual-sided investment shows up across the state in different ways. Harper College is one strong example: after receiving a $2.5 million American Apprenticeship Initiative grant from the U.S. Department of Labor, the college partnered with Zurich North America, a commercial insurance provider, to launch an associate degree apprenticeship program in general insurance. Harper is just one of many community colleges across Illinois doing this work. 

Employers are building their own networks too. The Chicago Apprentice Network, started by Aon and Accenture, brings together employers to talk directly with other employers about the return on investment and how the Registered Apprenticeship model helps solve real talent challenges. That kind of employer-to-employer conversation carries a credibility that’s hard to replicate. Illinois apprenticeship employers now include large companies like Zurich, Aon, Accenture, McDonald’s, Allstate, and United Airlines, alongside a wide range of small- and medium-sized businesses across the state. 

The state also invests in the Apprenticeship Ambassador program, made up of apprentices who serve as ambassadors for Apprenticeship Illinois statewide. Ambassadors receive professional development training in areas like public relations and financial literacy, and they’re invited to speak at business engagement events, on local radio shows, and on podcasts. Their role is focused on speaking to employers who are considering whether an apprenticeship program is right for them.  

Impact:  

As of 2026, the state of Illinois has over 23,000 active apprentices across 455 programs. These programs have led to partnerships with 1,700 employers. The extensive reach of apprenticeships has led to stronger economic opportunities for the state. The state is also working to align apprenticeship programs with the K-12 system, providing an integrated vision and shared language around pathways. The goal of the state’s apprenticeship program is to ensure that all young people in Illinois are prepared for college and career. 

Population Served:  

Illinois apprenticeships are available to all Illinois residents. 

Learn more here.

Page last updated in August 2026