This document provides information about apprenticeship programs in Illinois. It outlines the benefits of an apprenticeship such as earning while learning, receiving mentorship, developing transferable skills, and earning credentials. It provides instructions on how to search for apprenticeship programs through the Illinois workNet website or other resources. The document also offers tips for researching career and industry trends, apprenticeship programs, preparing for interviews, and getting experience to become a competitive applicant.

1. Apprenticeship Guide
Find. Apply. Prepare
www.illinoisworknet.com
Illinois workNet® is sponsored by the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. – Apr 2018

2. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?
An apprenticeship includes both on-the-job training and classroom
training. Once the apprentice completes the required hours and
coursework, they can take a certification exam.
What are the benefits?
• Earn while you learn.
• Receive mentoring from professionals/journeyman.
• Develop industry skills that are transferable within the industry.
• Earn credentials through certification testing.

3. Illinois workNet® is sponsored by the Department of Commerce
and Economic Opportunity.
3
FIND APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMS
• Use the Registered Apprenticeship Search
• Use Training Programs Search (keyword apprenticeship)
• Search the Internet
• Contact Trade Associations
• Join Student Trade Associations
• Talk to Employers

4. Illinois workNet® is sponsored by the Department of Commerce
and Economic Opportunity.
4
FIND REGISTERED APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMS
• Select a career or search by keyword.
• Look at Occupation Summary for Job Demand & Wages, Skills & Training, and Jobs &
Information.
• Look for programs in Illinois.
• Find a sponsor near you.

5. Illinois workNet® is sponsored by the Department of Commerce
and Economic Opportunity.
5
RESEARCH THE CAREER & INDUSTRY
Look at Careers, Wages and Trends to
learn about the industry and trade.
Why do you want to work in the trade?
Follow associations on social media.
What are the trends? What are they
posting or talking about?

6. RESEARCH THE
APPRENTICESHIP
PROGRAM
Learn about the apprenticeship program. What is their mission?
Things to consider:
• Is there a minimum age requirement?
• Is a driver’s license required? Do you have to have your own
transportation?
• What type of aptitude tests are required? Do you need to
brush up your Math or English skills?
• Are you physically able to perform the daily tasks?
• Is a drug test required?
• What classroom training is required?

7. APPLY FOR THE PROGRAM
These positions are competitive. Apprentices are chosen by selection
committees made up of senior employees. Be prepared to answer
these questions.
• Why do you want to work in the trade? Have you ever applied to this
trade or any others?
• What do you know about the trade?
• What do you know about the apprenticeship program?
• What kind of work experience do you have?

8. PREPARE FOR THE INTERVIEW
Be able to respond to “Tell me about yourself.”
Think about:
• What experience do you have?
• What skills or talents do you have that are related
to trade?
• What are your strongest soft skills?
• Is there any aspect of the trade that you are
passionate about?
Put the information together so
that you can paint a picture for the
interviewers in about 1 minute.
Make sure you include why you
want to have a career in the
industry.

9. GET A JUMP START
If you are waiting for an opening in a program, take steps to give
yourself a jump start.
• Are you able to take classes to make sure you meet the
academic skill requirements?
• Can you start taking courses to the gain the required technical
skills?
• Can you get an entry level job or volunteer to get work
experience?
• Prepare your resume and explore other options for getting into
an apprenticeship program. In some industries, you may be
able to find an employer that is willing to take you on as an
apprentice rather than entering through an association.

10. GET STARTED TODAY!
Go to www.illinoisworknet.com and click on Apprenticeship
Opportunities from the Training & Credentials menu!

11. The Illinois workNet Center System, an American Job Center, is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. All voice telephone numbers may be reached by persons
using TTY/TDD equipment by calling TTY (800) 526-0844 or 711. This workforce product was funded by a grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration. For more information please refer to the footer
at the bottom of www.illinoisworknet.com.
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