Illinois Central College Showcases Apprenticeship Programs
East Peoria, IL (11/16/2023) — On Tuesday, November 14, 2023, Illinois Central College celebrated the ninth annual U.S. Department of Labor's National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) by holding an apprenticeship signing day alongside Caterpillar, Alcast, and Liberty Steel for ICC students.
National Apprenticeship Week is a celebration that brings together business leaders, labor, educational institutions, and those interested in apprenticeships to showcase the impact of apprenticeship programs on closing the U.S. skills gap and preparing the workforce. Dr. Quirk-Bailey says, "Apprenticeships are amazing opportunities." They allow individuals to obtain an education and on-the-job training, often paid for by their participating employers, while still earning full-time pay. Once their apprenticeships are completed, these individuals are equipped with valuable industry credentials for careers that will provide a family-sustaining wage.
Over the past five years, ICC has partnered with several industry leaders, including those above as well as OSF, Idea Entity, Accenture, and more, to build six Manufacturing and Information Technology apprenticeship programs registered with the U.S. Department of Labor. The apprenticeship programs are Secure Software, Industrial Maintenance, Industrial Electrical, Networking, Machine Tool Technology (CNC), and Automotive. "These apprenticeships play a pivotal role in the success of our regional workforce," emphasizes Dr. Quirk-Bailey.
Apprenticeships are great options for anyone. According to Apprenticeship.gov, 2022 saw a national record high percentage of women in apprenticeships at 10% (80,000) and growing. Apprenticeship programs targeting individuals with disabilities are also on the rise. Learn more about apprenticeships at https://www.apprenticeship.gov/.
Email apprenticeships@icc.edu to talk with someone about apprenticeship opportunities in the Greater Peoria area.
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Illinois Central College is a two-year community college with campuses in East Peoria, Peoria, and Pekin, Illinois providing a high-quality, affordable education to prepare students to enter the workforce or to transfer to a four-year college or university. For more information on ICC, visit icc.edu.
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