National Apprenticeship Week 2026

The Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership (The Partnership) is spotlighting National Apprenticeship Week, from April 26 –  May 2, 2026.  In an increasingly competitive job market, when career pathways differ with each career seeker and as financial concerns increase, a Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) is a solution for employers and career seekers. 

A RAP is a formal, employer-driven training model officially recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor (or a DOL-approved State Apprenticeship Agency). It combines structured on-the-job learning with related technical instruction— producing workers who are credentialed, skilled, and immediately productive who get paid while they learn and offers employers a 91% retention rate.

What does The Partnership know about apprenticeships?

OverProgram Year 2024–2025 (July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025), The Partnership’s network apprenticeship program achieved:

Aren’t apprenticeships solely for the skilled trades?

Nope. The Partnership currently collaborates with employer partners across a variety of sectors to develop and expand apprenticeship programs with a focus on non-traditional sectors such as Arborist, Clean Energy, Early Childcare, Financial Services and more. Hear more on Episode 35 of The Partnership’s Hire Frequency Podcast.

Can I talk to an apprentice?

Yes!

Brittany K. is a 40-year-old resident of south Cook County and a proud welder and carpentry apprentice. Brittany earned her GED and worked with The Partnership’s network through Employment and Employee Services (E&ES) when she needed training costs covered.  Today, she is a teacher at  EDDR Corporation | Your Partner in Learning where she trained and is a welder and carpenter for a demolition company. “I was working in landscaping but wanted to find a career with more long-term stability and career security,” she says. “When a wheel broke on my landscaping equipment, I had to learn to weld to fix it and that’s how this all began!”  Brittany says she is earning a good wage and looks forward to a bright future. (Brttany’s photo is at the top of this page)

Can I talk to an employer with an apprenticeship program?

Yes!

Abt Electronics is a regional premier, one-stop destination for appliances, electronics, furniture, and more. That same commitment to quality extends to its workforce, through a thriving Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP). Launched in partnership with The Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership and Business and Career Services, Inc. (BCS), a member of The Partnership’s network, Abt supports 42 apprentices in the appliance installation and repair department, along with four participants engaged in the On-the-Job Training program. “Launching our apprenticeship program has been of great benefit for Abt, our employees, and our customers,” said Brigitte Landis, CFO of Abt. “With the support of our workforce partners, we’ve been able to create a program that not only strengthens our business but truly changes the trajectory of our employees’ lives. We’re seeing higher retention, stronger engagement, and a clear path for employees to grow into well-paying, skilled careers.” (Abt apprenticeship photo to the left)