This programming is brought to you by the Main Street Council under the IL Chamber in conjunction with the Illinois Chapter of the Society of Human Resource Management (IL SHRM).
This session gives Chambers of Commerce and their member employers a clear, actionable look at how to access current grant funding that is available to expand the use of registered apprenticeships in HR and IT roles. Grant funding is available across all Illinois employers through the State of Illinois Apprenticeship Expansion Grant, awarded by the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO) to the SHRM Foundation, in partnership with Apprenti. Attendees will learn how these apprenticeship pathways help businesses build a stronger workforce, reduce hiring challenges, and improve retention with low cost and reduced administrative burden. The briefing will show Chambers and employers exactly how they can participate, what support is available through SHRM Foundation’s Skills First initiative, and the steps needed to tap into the $350,000 grant and receive additional State of Illinois incentives and tax credits. Business owners will leave with a straightforward approach to use apprenticeships to develop skilled talent and create sustainable, future‑ready workforce solutions.
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