November 2024

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Celebrating National Apprenticeship Week

Join M3 Chicago in celebrating the tenth National Apprenticeship Week from November 17 through November 23.  

Throughout the country, apprenticeships play a key role in developing talent pipelines and teaching skills that address the manufacturing sector’s needs.

The benefits of an apprenticeship are clear. According to the Department of Labor, 94% of apprentices retain employment and employers make a 44.3% return on their investment in apprenticeships.  

Read on to discover regional events, resources, and news celebrating the latest apprenticeship and workforce innovations this National Apprenticeship Week.

Cook County Announces Eight Manufacturers Participating in Good Jobs Chicagoland

Eight leading Cook County manufacturers have signed on to provide essential training to 250 new and current employees through the Good Jobs Chicagoland program, an employer-driven initiative supporting careers in a sector that offers opportunities for growth, advancement and good wages.

Freedman Seating Company, a family-owned business on the West Side of Chicago that manufactures bus, rail, marine, delivery truck, specialty and commercial-vehicle seating, has become a champion for Good Jobs Chicagoland and was one of the first manufacturers to sign on. 

Additional manufacturers who have signed on to Good Jobs Chicagoland include: Agrati Inc., Central Steel and Wire Company, Federal Signal, Ferrero, Morrison Container Handling Solutions, Sterling Solutions, and Threaded Fasteners, Inc.

A federally funded initiative led by the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership, Good Jobs Chicagoland represents a major investment in Cook County’s workforce and economic future. The Cook County Bureau of Economic Development and OAI, Inc. serve as backbone organizations for the manufacturing component of the initiative. Read the full press release here.

Tackle your workforce challenges with support

The Cook County Manufacturing Apprenticeship Accelerator, in collaboration with Skills for Chicagoland's Future aims to tackle one of the biggest challenges for manufacturers: hiring and retaining talent.

This program connects manufacturers in Chicago and suburban Cook County with pre-screened candidates to fill their open positions. Skills for Chicagoland's Future also provides supportive services to new hires and apprentices during their first 90 days, including career counseling, transportation assistance, work uniforms, and childcare referrals.

Excited to strengthen your workforce? Learn more here.

Transform your hiring practices with apprenticeships!

Celebrate National Apprenticeship Week with Richard J. Daley College and City Colleges of Chicago's Workforce Solution team at the Manufacturing Apprenticeship Summit!

Hear from industry leaders who have championed and found success utilizing apprenticeship programs as a talent development strategy, connect with current and former apprentices, and discover how Cook County is supporting ‘earn and learn’ models locally through the Cook County Manufacturing Apprenticeship program.

Leverage best practices and partnership opportunities through supplier diversity! Join IMA for an exploratory webinar demystifying procurement certifications, grant opportunities, and supplier development programs.

Leverage marketing strategies to build loyalty, recruit employees, and grow your business! Hosted by Choose DuPage, the MFG Pro Series offers free webinars where manufacturers can hear from experts, ask questions, and hone their understanding of key issues.

Join City Colleges of Chicago alongside industry experts offering traditional, non-traditional, and pre-apprenticeship programs. Meet and network with professionals from various industries from Pharmacy Technicians, IT, CNAs, Arborists, Culinary, Insurance, Business, Aircraft Maintenance Mechanics, Manufacturing, and more.

Learn about the MAT2 and ICATT Apprenticeship Programs, helping high-tech manufacturers and companies with complex technologies or logistics tackle the skills gap by providing a workforce development strategy – a sustainable solution that provides a pipeline of talent over time.

Tap into the benefits of registered apprenticeships! Whether you’re new to apprenticeships or refining your approach, this event offers practical strategies and opportunities to enhance your business. Don’t miss this opportunity to boost your workforce and competitiveness.

Reach new heights for your business with the latest strategies in sale and marketing! Join TMA for an informative afternoon roundtable conversation led by Nancy O'Leary of Custom Direct. TMA members only.