SkillsUSA Illinois Apprenticeship Landscape Analysis

Air Conditioners for Training

At the request of SkillsUSA Illinois, this study will provide a comprehensive landscape analysis of the state of apprenticeships across industries and communities throughout Illinois. This study is based on existing governmental data, existing non-governmental data, and a critical statewide survey of businesses and community partners who host apprentices and other aspects of work-based learning as well as a survey of school districts, community colleges, and other educational organizations. The goal of the study is to provide a comprehensive overview of what apprenticeships exist across Illinois, where they are, in what type of career fields there are apprenticeships, the conditions of the apprenticeships, and who current apprentices are. 

Full report – 2025 SkillsUSA Illinois Apprenticeship and Work-Based Learning Landscape Analysis

2025-March-07 – We are excited to publish Constructing a Strong Foundation on which to Build: SkillsUSA Illinois Apprenticeship and Work-Based Learning Landscape Analysis.

This report seeks to provide a comprehensive overview of apprenticeship programs across Illinois, including their locations, the career fields they cover, and the demographics of current apprentices. Key themes that emerged from this report include:

  • More industries, occupations, and diverse individuals are engaging in apprenticeships.
  • Participation is rising, especially in internships, but overall only a small percentage of students are in internships or apprenticeships.
  • Businesses, communities, and educational institutions face persistent barriers in engaging and/or delivering work-based learning.
  • Unpaid internships remain common, limiting diversity and access to high-wage, in-demand career pathways.

Based on this research, the following additional items for future consideration were also identified:

  • Improve and support meaningful career readiness data collection.
  • Expand professional development on apprenticeships and internships.
  • Further study work-based learning systems in education, business, and communities.

The research team is a collaboration between the Illinois P-20 Network and the Northern Illinois University Center for Governmental Studies Workforce Policy Lab as part of the NIU P-20 Research and Data Collaborative.