CHICAGO, IL — [July 29, 2026] — The SHRM Foundation, Illinois SHRM and Apprenti today announced a statewide initiative designed to help employers across the state address persistent workforce shortages by expanding access to registered apprenticeship programs in information technology (IT) and human resources (HR).
Made possible through a $350,000 grant awarded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) to the SHRM Foundation, the initiative will provide employers with the resources, technical expertise and implementation support needed to launch or further develop U.S. Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship Programs across Illinois. The grant is currently open to Illinois employers and expires in April, 2027.
The program brings together Illinois SHRM’s statewide employer network, the SHRM Foundation’s leadership in workforce innovation, and Apprenti’s nationally recognized apprenticeship expertise to make registered apprenticeship more accessible and visible, especially for small and midsize employers seeking new approaches to recruiting, developing and retaining skilled talent.
“Illinois employers are looking for practical, sustainable solutions to current and future talent challenges,” said Todd Ray, State Director at Illinois SHRM. “This initiative gives organizations the tools to build skilled talent from within while expanding access to high-quality career opportunities for Illinois workers.”
Through the initiative, participating employers will receive:
Registered apprenticeships combine paid, on-the-job learning with structured technical instruction, allowing employers to develop highly skilled employees while participants earn wages and nationally recognized credentials.
“The SHRM Foundation believes that expanding opportunity starts with expanding access to meaningful career pathways,” said Wendi Safstrom, President of the SHRM Foundation. “Registered apprenticeships create lasting value for both employers and workers by connecting untapped talent with in-demand skills and quality jobs. Through our partnership with Illinois SHRM and Apprenti, we’re helping organizations adopt practical, skills-first workforce solutions that strengthen businesses, open doors for more people, and build a more resilient workforce across Illinois.”
The initiative builds on the SHRM Foundation’s growing partnership with Apprenti to expand registered apprenticeships as an employer-driven workforce solution. Together, the organizations have developed scalable apprenticeship models that combine structured mentorship, competency-based learning and industry-recognized credentials to prepare talent for today’s evolving workplace.
“Registered apprenticeships have become one of the most effective ways employers can close critical talent gaps while investing in their future workforce,” said Jennifer Carlson, CEO of Apprenti. “We are excited to partner with Illinois SHRM and the SHRM Foundation to help more Illinois employers implement apprenticeship programs that are proven, scalable and built around the skills businesses need most.”
Employers from a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, technology, logistics, professional services, education and nonprofit organizations, are encouraged to participate. The initiative is designed for organizations new to apprenticeship, as well as employers looking to enhance existing workforce development programs.
Organizations interested in learning more can attend an upcoming informational session hosted by Illinois SHRM or register to receive program updates and implementation resources.
The SHRM Foundation empowers Human Resources as a force for social good. As the nonprofit arm of SHRM, the world’s largest HR professional society, the Foundation believes that HR holds a unique position to lead change in the face of complex challenges within the world of work. The organization mobilizes and equips HR to ensure the prosperity and thriving of talent and workplaces.
The Foundation works by widening pathways to work for more skills-first candidates and more kinds of talent; tackling societal challenges, with a current focus on workplace mental health and wellness; and strengthening the HR field with even more diversity, growth, and readiness to address these needs. The SHRM Foundation works with SHRM, courageous partners, and bold investors to generate awareness, action, and impact to build a world of work that works for all.
Discover more at SHRMFoundation.org.
The Illinois State Council for the Society for Human Resource Management (ILSHRM) is committed to supporting SHRM chapters across Illinois by providing representation to the National Society of SHRM and assisting each chapter in reaching its highest potential. Comprising volunteer representatives from across the state, the ILSHRM Board works to advance the human resources profession by promoting professionalism, enhancing SHRM membership value, and coordinating HR professional development initiatives. Through a structured activity plan, ILSHRM facilitates communication between SHRM, its chapters, and HR professionals while delivering services and programs that strengthen the HR community in Illinois.
Find out more at ilshrm.org.
Apprenti is the national leader and recognized Registered Apprenticeship Intermediary. We deliver Registered Apprenticeship programs for 30+ occupations that enable your current employees and new hires across high-demand STEM industries, including technology, healthcare, human resources, advanced manufacturing, banking, finance and life sciences. We offer a proven path to high retention and measurable ROI.
Founded in 2016, Apprenti has trained over 6,500 apprentices and over 350 companies, and continues to scale its work. By connecting individuals without traditional postsecondary degrees to structured, earn-and-learn career pathways, Apprenti creates economic mobility for workers and sustainable talent solutions for employers.
Learn more at apprenticareers.org.
Media Contacts
Andrea Fitzpatrick – pr@apprenticareers.org
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