Why Apprenticeships?
When you hear the word “apprenticeship,” you might automatically think about the construction trades. Apprentice plumber, apprentice electrician, etc. But did you know that any job that requires learned skills (generally in a classroom environment) can have an apprenticeship component? Apprenticeship programs offer substantial benefits to employers by developing a highly skilled and loyal workforce. These programs enable businesses to tailor training to their specific needs, ensuring that apprentices acquire the exact skills required for the job. This tailored approach often results in a more productive and efficient workforce, as employees are equipped with relevant, hands-on experience.
Apprenticeships also foster employee loyalty and retention. Some businesses create contracts with apprenticeships that guarantee a certain period of employment. However, even beyond a contractual arrangement, studies show that individuals who complete an apprenticeship program with a company are more likely to remain with that company, thereby reducing turnover rates and the associated costs of recruiting and training new hires. This long-term commitment creates a stable and experienced team. Employers benefit from a pipeline of skilled talent, reducing reliance on external hiring for specialized roles. By investing in apprenticeships, companies can proactively address skills gaps and cultivate future leaders from within their organization.
What is an Apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is a structured training program that combines paid on-the-job experience with related classroom instruction to teach individuals the skills and knowledge necessary for a skilled trade or profession. It allows an individual to “earn while they learn” and typically leads to a nationally recognized credential. There are five core components of an apprenticeship:
- Employer Involvement: Employers collaborate with instructors to determine the training employees need to be successful and help develop the right program.
- Structured On-The-Job Learning: Employers identify a mentor to train the apprentice in on-the-job learning.
- Related Technical Instruction: The requirements for classroom training are determined in advance through collaboration between the employer and highly trained faculty and staff.
- Rewards for Skills Gained: Apprentices receive incremental wage increases to acknowledge the skills they have acquired.
- National Credential Earned: Registered Apprenticeship Programs result in a nationally recognized credential — a guarantee to employers that apprentices are fully qualified for their occupation.
Illinois Central College already offers apprenticeship programs in the following careers:
- Automotive Technology
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Program
- CNC Machine Operator
- Computer Science – Secure Software and Database Systems
- Industrial Electrical Technology
- Industrial Maintenance Technology
- Licensed Practical Nurse
- Machine Tool Technology
- Network Administrator
- Registered Nurse
- Surgical Technologist
You can download ICC’s apprenticeship flyer here or learn more here.
Financial Incentives
Beyond the benefits outlined above, companies that create an apprenticeship program can receive tax credits from the State of Illinois. The Illinois Apprenticeship Education Expense Tax Credit is a state incentive that awards Illinois businesses for hiring and training qualified apprentices. Employers can receive a tax credit equal to $3,500 per eligible apprentice annually. If the apprentice lives in an “underserved area” OR the work location is an “underserved area,” the employer can receive an additional $1,500 per apprentice per year (a total of $5,000). The map of “underserved areas” can be found here. You can learn more about this program here.
Need more information?
Contact GPEDC’s Workforce Solutions team at workforce@greaterpeoriaedc.org.