Illinois Employer Initiative

Illinois Employers: Unlock New IT and HR Talent Pipelines Through Registered Apprenticeships

Illinois SHRM is proud to announce a major statewide initiative to expand the use of U.S. Department of Labor’s registered apprenticeships made possible through a $350,000 grant from the State of Illinois’ Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (ILDCEO) to SHRM Foundation. This investment accelerates our shared mission: helping Illinois employers build stronger, more diverse, and more future-ready workforces.

Why This Matters

Why This Matters for Illinois Employers

Illinois organizations, especially small and mid-sized employers, are facing unprecedented challenges in recruiting, developing, and retaining skilled talent.

This grant reflects Illinois’ leadership in expanding skills-based hiring, improving access to quality jobs, and strengthening the state’s economic competitiveness. Registered apprenticeships are a cornerstone of this strategy—linking real work experience with structured learning and nationally recognized credentials.

Registered apprenticeships offer a proven, scalable solution that delivers:

A reliable talent pipeline for hard-to-fill roles in IT and Human Resources.

A pathway to expand access to emerging careers and invest in current staff

Lower turnover and upskilling employee development

Reduced training costs through structured, competency-based learning

Access to state tax credits

This grant allows IL SHRM and the SHRM Foundation to bring these benefits directly to employers across the state.

What’s Included

What This Initiative Provides

Through this statewide partnership, Illinois employers will gain access to:

Turnkey Solution to Launch or Expand Apprenticeships for IT and HR jobs

A professionally designed registered apprenticeship program (RAP) to help employers implement a talent solution to invest in current employees or acquire new qualified candidates in human resource and information technology jobs.

Implementation and Ongoing Administrative Support

Our third-party partner, Apprenti, will provide participating employers with all of the implementation and ongoing support needed to manage job frameworks, competency models, training outlines, and implementation for HR and IT jobs across a wide range of Illinois industries.

Regional Workshops & Executive Briefings

In-person and virtual sessions that demystify apprenticeships and show how they integrate with skills-based hiring strategies.

Access to Illinois Apprenticeship Tax Credits

Guidance on how employers can claim additional state tax incentives for use of registered apprenticeship programs.

Who Can Join

Who Should Participate

This initiative is ideal for:

HR leaders seeking new talent strategies

Small and mid-sized employers looking to grow

Manufacturers, healthcare providers, IT firms, logistics companies, and skilled-trade employers

Business owners wanting to build internal career pathways

Organizations committed to equity, inclusion, and community impact

Whether you’re exploring apprenticeships for the first time or ready to scale an existing program, IL SHRM can help you move from interest to implementation for your HR and IT jobs.

Find Your Path

Get Involved

Employers: Start Here

Join our statewide apprenticeship initiative and receive early access to resources, events, and ongoing support.

HR Leaders & Practitioners

Learn how apprenticeships integrate with emerging HR talent management practices, including skills-based hiring, micro-internships and workforce planning.

Attend an upcoming information session →

Community & Education Partners

Collaborate with IL SHRM to support employer adoption and expand opportunities for Illinois residents.

Connect with our IL SHRM workforce readiness leaders →

Our Commitment

Together, We Can Build Illinois’ Future Workforce

This $350,000 investment is more than a grant; it’s a catalyst for statewide workforce and skills development. By expanding registered apprenticeships, Illinois employers can unlock new talent, strengthen communities, and create pathways to meaningful careers.

IL SHRM invites you to be part of this movement.

Upcoming Session

Expanding Talent Strategies for IT & HR

Free Webinar

Apprenticeships and Micro Internships

August 18, 2026 · 1:00 PM EST

Join Us for an Insightful HR & IT Apprenticeship Session

This upcoming session, hosted by Illinois State Council for SHRM, brings together workforce development leaders for a dynamic conversation on the future of IT & HR talent development. This workshop will highlight emerging practices to improve workforce readiness and how employers can access a $350,000 grant from the State of Illinois to expand the use of registered apprenticeships for IT and HR jobs.

Attendees will gain a clearer understanding of how registered apprenticeships are designed, how they cultivate IT and HR talent, and how organizations of all sizes can get involved. If you’re looking to invest in your IT and HR talent strategies, improve retention and attraction for these emerging jobs, or explore innovative workforce strategies, this is a session you won’t want to miss.

Get more information on the Illinois Apprenticeship Program for IT and HR Jobs

Complete the form below to unlock additional information you need to access the U.S. DOL registered apprenticeship program for current and prospective candidates in IT and HR.

Webinar Registration

Webinar title: Expanding Talent Strategies for IT & HR – Apprenticeships and Micro Internships
Date & Time: August 4, 2026, 12:00 pm in Central Time

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