The Apprentice Perspective

Apprenticeships are on the rise in Illinois. These programs help businesses build the high-skill talent they need while offering Illinoisans a pathway to long-term, family-sustaining careers in high-demand fields—often without the need for a four-year degree.

The Apprentice Perspective podcast features conversations with apprentices and work-based learning leaders about the impact of apprenticeship on Illinois workers and businesses, as well as emerging innovations in work-based learning across the state. The show highlights the stories of participants in the Apprentice Ambassador Program and recipients of the WBLA Catalysts Initiative.

The Apprentice Ambassador Program brings together a yearly cohort of outstanding current or former apprentices representing a wide range of industries and communities across Illinois. During their year in the program, Apprentice Ambassadors serve as guest speakers at business engagement events, sharing how apprenticeship has shaped their careers, supported their families, and strengthened their companies. This podcast brings those stories directly to you. Each episode also features a guest host who is a leader in business, government, or workforce development.

The WBLA Catalysts Initiative recognizes innovative and high-quality work-based learning programs across Illinois. Award recipients share their best practices through a toolkit on Illinois WorkNet designed to help scale successful models and turn effective local solutions into statewide standards.

Join us to hear the stories of people who chose a nontraditional path to a family-sustaining career—and to explore the future of work-based learning in Illinois.

Disclaimer: This workforce product was funded by a grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) Employment and Training Administration. The product was created by the contractor and does not necessarily reflect the official position of DOL. DOL makes no guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any kind, express or implied, with respect to such information, including any information on linked sites and including, but not limited to, accuracy of the information or its completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability, or ownership. This product is copyrighted by the institution that created it.

Contributors

Producer

Antonio Gómez

Antonio Gómez is a Workforce Innovation Coordinator for the Illinois Center for Specialized Professional Support (ICSPS) where he provides research and coordination for professional development projects aligned with the center’s goals and the community’s needs. Additionally, he facilitates meetings and generates materials for state workforce boards and subcommittees. He received his B.A. in English at Truman State University and was previously a legal assistant to the Johnson County Attorney in Iowa City.

Producer

Jalissa Jones

Jalissa Jones is a Workforce Innovation Coordinator for the Illinois Center for Specialized Professional Support (ICSPS) where she provides research and coordination for professional development projects aligned with the center’s goals and the community’s needs. Additionally, she facilitates meetings and generates materials for state workforce boards and subcommittees. She received her B.A. and M.A. in English from Florida State University and Illinois State University, respectively. She was previously an instructor and Editorial/Production Assistant at Illinois State University.