Illinois Ag Connection - Economic Development Report to Illinois Build Workforce

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Economic Development Report to Illinois Build Workforce
Illinois Ag Connection - 04/18/2019

Building on one of his earliest commitments in office, Governor JB Pritzker released a report detailing ideas to improve employment opportunities for Illinois residents, especially those in underserved communities. The governor took immediate action to advance one of the key recommendations with a statewide apprenticeship model that builds on a successful partnership in Chicago, the expanding Chicago Apprentice Network between City Colleges of Chicago, Aon, Accenture and a growing list of other businesses.

Joined by apprentices, Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Acting Director Erin Guthrie of the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Aon CEO Greg Case, Accenture Chicago Office Managing Director Jim Coleman and other leaders from the Chicago business community, the governor announced his administration will work with local businesses to create more apprenticeship programs for Illinoisans statewide.

The agenda was developed in response to the governor's third executive order, and it focuses on uniting workforce development partners regionally, preparing Illinois workers for careers and connecting job seekers with employers. The report's recommendations draw on evidence-based practices, promising innovations, and collaborative input from leaders across the state, with the goal of ensuring that businesses, individuals, and communities across the state have the opportunity to prosper and contribute to the state's economic growth. (View the complete report here.)

"Illinois workers are dedicated, educated and skilled - and they're the reason businesses around the world are proud to operate here," said Pritzker. "I'm deeply committed to ensuring that Illinoisans around the state - especially those in disadvantaged communities - can get good jobs in their communities, and to build on what works. Illinois' future depends on a well-trained workforce."

Expanding the reach of available apprenticeship programs is one of several key recommendations. As one of his first steps to address the report's recommendations, Pritzker announced an apprenticeship partnership between the St. Clair County Workforce Development Group, East St. Louis Community College Center, and Lewis and Clark Community College with Southern Illinois Healthcare Foundation (SIHF) to develop Incumbent Worker Medical Assistant Apprentices.

SIHF is a provider of affordable, accessible and integrated healthcare serving over 1,100 patients on a daily basis and providing services to low-income and most in need individuals. Apprentices receiving the Medial Assistant Certification through the apprenticeship program will be encouraged and supported to receive further education and credentials for nursing or other related occupations, such as an Associate Degree that could pave the way for the worker to eventually pursue a Bachelors of Nursing.

"I want Illinois to be the gold standard when it comes to talent and workforce development. With the creation and continued expansion of apprenticeship programs like the one being offered by the Southern Illinois Healthcare Foundation, we will be on track to achieve that goal," said Guthrie.

In 2017, City Colleges of Chicago, in partnership with Aon, Accenture and Zurich launched the Chicago Apprentice Network, which serves as the model for the recently announced partnership. The Network works with City Colleges of Chicago to connect students in apprenticeship programs with Chicago-area employers. There are currently over 420 apprentices in the programs across the city with a goal of creating 1,000 apprentice positions by 2020.

"Building on their successful past, apprenticeships are the wave of the future in all industries. They create opportunity for students who are seeking a career and for companies looking for talent," said Case. "We look forward to bringing the Chicago Apprentice Network to cities across the country as a model of excellence."

With the announcement, Pritzker re-emphasized his commitment to creating new pathways to employment for historically underserved groups. The partnership offers the opportunity for young people to develop critical skills in the workplace while maintaining a salary and sets them on the road to future success.

"City Colleges of Chicago's apprenticeship program is providing opportunities for hundreds of talented Chicagoans to pursue careers that meet employers' needs," said Emanuel. "We look forward to seeing this proven, Chicago-built apprenticeship model expand across the state to give more Illinoisans access to in-demand careers."

"SIHF Healthcare enthusiastically supports this innovative apprenticeship model proposed by a dedicated coalition of workforce, economic and community development, higher education, industry, and employer partners in Southwestern Illinois," said Larry McCulley, President and CEO of SIHF. "We strongly support this project's focus on expanding apprenticeship opportunities to deliver a pipeline of skilled workers in advanced manufacturing and healthcare to fill the jobs of today, while preparing the workforce of tomorrow."

"East St. Louis Higher Education Center - Lewis and Clark Community College provides the setting to bring together a respected employer, Southern Illinois Health Foundation, a high-demand, high quality Medical Assisting program and an ambitious Workforce Development Group, St. Clair County IGD to deliver an apprenticeship program that helps to meet a labor market gap and to provide opportunities for upward mobility for area residents," said Dr. Linda T. Chapman, vice president of academic affairs at Lewis and Clark Community College. "It is a rewarding program for all of us who are involved in the program."

"McDonald's and its independent franchisees separately employ over 50,000 people in Illinois, and we are committed to helping people who come to work in our restaurants build the skills they need to be successful," said Rob Lauber, global chief learning officer, McDonald's. "McDonald's has developed multiple programs including upfront tuition assistance, high school completion courses, career advising services and our Chicago Apprenticeship Program - which pays for time spent in class while working towards an accelerated restaurant management role - to propel young adults with the desire to achieve big things."

"Professional apprenticeships can play an important role in closing the skills gap," said Julie Sweet, CEO - North America, Accenture. "Working together with Governor Pritzker and Chicago Apprentice Network member companies, we will accelerate the creation of new career pathways for extremely talented individuals who have lacked access to digital economy jobs. Governor Pritzker's initiative is a win-win for our communities, companies and the country."

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