Illinois Apprenticeship Programs including
Illinois Apprenticeship Resources
Introduction to Apprenticeship Programs in Illinois
Apprenticeship programs in Illinois are a key part of workforce development. They combine paid, on-the-job training with classroom instruction, allowing participants to learn a skilled trade or profession while earning a wage. These programs are designed to lead to industry-recognized credentials and sustainable careers, and are typically sponsored by employers, trade unions, community colleges, or workforce organizations.
Illinois supports a wide range of apprenticeship opportunities in both traditional trades (like construction) and growing industries such as information technology, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing. Apprenticeships are available across the state, from large urban centers like Chicago to smaller cities and rural areas.
Registered vs. Non-Registered Apprenticeships
There are two main types of apprenticeships in Illinois: registered and non-registered (sometimes called informal or apprenticeship-style training).
Registered apprenticeships are formally approved and overseen by the U.S. Department of Labor. They follow strict guidelines regarding training hours, wages, supervision, safety, and credentialing. These programs are widely recognized and often include wage increases as skills progress. Illinois has over 400 registered apprenticeship programs with more than 16,000 active apprentices.
Non-registered apprenticeships, on the other hand, are more flexible and do not require formal registration with the federal government. These programs may still involve structured on-the-job training and classroom learning but lack the standardization and oversight of registered programs. In Illinois, non-registered apprenticeships are much less common, with only a few dozen operating statewide. Employers may use these informal models to customize training without the administrative requirements of formal registration, but the credentials earned may not be portable or widely recognized outside the sponsoring organization.
Types of Apprenticeship Programs in Illinois
Illinois apprenticeships are most commonly found in the construction and building trades. These include occupations like electrician, plumber, carpenter, pipefitter, sheet metal worker, and HVAC technician. Construction apprenticeships make up the vast majority of registered programs in the state.
Beyond construction, apprenticeship opportunities also exist in manufacturing and industrial trades such as welding, CNC machining, and industrial maintenance. Information technology is a growing field for apprenticeships, with programs for software developers, cybersecurity technicians, and IT support specialists. Some community colleges and workforce organizations are piloting these programs through state-funded initiatives.
The healthcare sector is beginning to explore apprenticeships for roles such as medical lab technicians and pharmacy techs, although these are less widespread. Other emerging fields for apprenticeship training in Illinois include transportation and logistics (such as truck driving and warehouse operations), energy and utilities (like solar installers and electric utility technicians), and agriculture (including animal care and farming apprenticeships). Hospitality and culinary arts also offer some apprenticeship-style training, though these programs are usually smaller and more localized.
Major Cities in Illinois and Their Apprenticeship Focus
Apprenticeship activity is especially strong in Illinois’s largest city, Chicago, where many union-based programs in construction, HVAC, plumbing, and IT are headquartered. The surrounding suburban areas such as Aurora and Elgin benefit from spillover opportunities in the trades and technology sectors.
In Rockford, apprenticeships tend to focus on manufacturing and the skilled trades. The state has invested in workforce programs there to support local employers. Peoria has similar strengths in industrial and construction apprenticeships. In Springfield, state-funded construction projects support apprenticeships in public works and infrastructure, while Decatur and Champaign offer a mix of agriculture-related programs and trades.
Joliet and Will County, located along major transportation corridors, have apprenticeship programs in logistics, construction, and heavy equipment. The East St. Louis and Metro East region has growing demand for apprenticeship labor, especially in public infrastructure and union-led trades.
Challenges and Opportunities
While Illinois has a strong network of registered apprenticeships, the number of flexible, non-registered programs remains low. Some regions are underserved or face barriers in launching apprenticeship programs due to a lack of coordination, employer participation, or funding.
To address these gaps, Illinois has launched initiatives like the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program, which prepares individuals for entry into full apprenticeships by teaching them basic trade skills, workplace safety, and job readiness. Public construction contracts in Illinois are now required to include a minimum percentage of apprenticeship labor, which increases demand and opens up new opportunities for training.
Despite the progress, challenges remain, including improving access to underrepresented groups, ensuring high-quality instruction, and making apprenticeship credentials more portable and transferable across industries.
Finding Apprenticeship Programs in Illinois
People interested in apprenticeship opportunities in Illinois can start by contacting local trade unions, community colleges, or workforce boards. Many unions have open application periods throughout the year, and local training centers or nonprofits often run pre-apprenticeship programs to help applicants prepare.
State-sponsored websites and regional organizations can also help you find programs based on your location and industry of interest. For example, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) funds several intermediary groups to expand apprenticeships across the state, including in underserved regions.