Apprenticeship Program

Start your career as an apprentice.

Some questions to ask yourself about getting work experience as an apprentice:

  • What is an apprenticeship, and how does it work? An apprenticeship is a structured program that combines classroom instruction with on-the-job training. Apprentices are hired by an employer that agrees to sponsor their apprenticeship in their desired program of study. Apprentices will immediately work for their employer and start their on-the-job training with a highly skilled mentor. At the same time, apprentices will enroll in their required program courses at ECC. When classes begin, the apprentice will attend courses at ECC on the designated days and continue working for their employer sponsor, typically when not in school.
  • Do apprentices get paid? Yes. ECC has apprenticeship opportunities based on the Learn while you Earn model, which involves paid on-the-job training. In addition, apprentices receive incremental wage increases as their skills and knowledge increase.
  • Why should I become an apprentice? You'll receive paid on-the-job training while attending school; your employer sponsor pays for apprentice tuition, books, and fees at ECC. No College Debt! Depending on the apprenticeship program, you'll receive a Basic Vocational Certificate (BVS) or an Associate of Applied Science degree after completing the required coursework. Apprentices will also receive a Certificate of Completion from the Department of Labor for completing a registered apprenticeship. This credential and a degree or certificate from ECC are portable and recognized nationally. Depending on the apprenticeship, you may be guaranteed full-time work up to 2 years after graduation!
  • Where can I learn more about apprenticeships and find opportunities? ECC offers career fairs and participates in community events throughout the year where you can learn more about this opportunity. You can also find apprenticeships with our partnering employers at ECC's online job board, Hire Spartans.
  • How do I become an apprentice?/get started. Current students can submit an Apprenticeship Interest Form to be contacted by a Strategic Partnerships and Experiential Learning representative to schedule an appointment with the apprenticeship coordinator. If you are not an ECC student, please use this free application. Apply to ECC.

Student Opportunities

Early application for the following year's cohort is essential.

  • Certified Nurse Assistant Apprenticeship
  • CNC Machining professional*
  • Cook/Culinary Registered Apprenticeship
  • HVAC
  • Industrial Maintenance Technology*
  • Firefighter / Paramedic Registered Apprenticeship

*offered in partnership with the Industry Consortium for Advanced Technical Training (ICATT)

Students: Get started

  1. If you're a current student, submit an Apprenticeship Interest Form. If you aren't a student at ECC yet, please apply using this free application. After you've applied, come back and submit the Application Interest Form.
  2. Interview with companies that have partnered with ECC to offer an apprenticeship.

Employers: Hire, Train, and Retain your Workforce.

Our program is turn-key. ECC staff does the paperwork required by the U.S. Department of Labor. Apprentices attend classes part-time or full-time. Let us know who you want to enroll, and we'll do the rest! Work with Elgin Community College Strategic Partnerships & Experiential Learning team to get started.

Consider this:

  • Why should you hire an apprentice? Help you grow your skilled/trained workforce by promoting existing workers or new hires resulting in well-trained employees who thrive in your environment, culture, and job.
  • How do I find an apprentice to hire? ECC will help through various career fairs and community expos throughout the year. Plus, we offer an online tool, HireSpartans, to post positions. We also partner with the Industry Consortium for Advanced Technical Training (ICATT) to promote your apprenticeship(s).
  • What are the benefits of having an apprentice? Increase employee morale and loyalty. The National Apprenticeship Service states that 92 percent of companies with apprenticeship programs believe it leads to higher motivation. Eighty percent report increases in employee retention.
  • Why do companies offer apprenticeships? Organizations, large and small, use apprenticeships to promote diversity in the workplace. It also helps cut recruiting costs by contacting area students taking ECC classes to gain skills and certification.
  • Why are apprenticeships good for business? Apprenticeships create additional opportunities for brand and company name recognition. Plus, you'll retain employees by cutting recruiting costs and increasing loyalty.
  • How will apprenticeships help my business? Customization - Train for your needs, at your location, with your processes. Development - Hire recruits or invest in your employees while offering them nationally-recognized credentials. Recruitment - Gain access to a diverse applicant pool and upskill current employees. Tax Credits - Participation in ECC's program qualifies you for the Illinois Apprenticeship Tax Credit ($3,500 to $5,000 per apprentice annually).

Next step:

This workforce product was funded by a grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration. The product was created by the recipient and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Labor. The Department of Labor makes no guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any kind, express or implied, with respect to such information, including any information on linked sites and including, but not limited to, the accuracy of the information or its completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability, or ownership. This product is copyrighted by the institution that created it.