City Colleges Celebrates Touts the Benefits of Apprenticeship Programs to Chicagoland Employers on National Apprenticeship Day

Employers and apprentices gathered at Malcolm X College Wednesday morning for the Business and Tech Apprenticeship Summit, a celebration of National Apprenticeship Day and a chance to introduce potential partners to the City Colleges’ growing apprenticeship program.

“We’re deeply committed to the success of apprenticeship programs,” said City Colleges Chancellor Juan Salgado. “We’re a catalyst for these programs in our region—and across the country.”

The event was hosted City Colleges of Chicago’s Workforce Solutions Team in partnership with the Chicago Apprentice Network, a collective of employers and organizations that works to help more businesses establish successful apprentice programs. The Chicago Apprentice Network currently consists of over 110 employers and has connected Chicagoland students to more than 2,000 apprenticeship opportunities—a number that continues to grow.

“We know we can do more, and we will do more,” Chancellor Salgado added. “But today, we’re celebrating an important milestone.”

Apprenticeships give students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience, earn a paycheck, and often secure full-time roles after graduation—all while continuing their studies. One of the summit’s featured speakers, Yesenia Gonzalez, a business and marketing student at Harold Washington College and a 2025 Illinois Apprentice Ambassador at Aon, shared how the program is transforming her life.

“Harold Washington College and Aon have been incredibly supportive,” Yesenia said. “I’m applying what I’m learning in class to my job every day, and my work experience is reinforcing what I’m learning at school. This real-world experience before I even graduate is priceless.”

Since beginning her apprenticeship in August 2023, Yesenia has gained skills in Excel, industry-specific software, meeting facilitation, and project management. She now works in Aon’s casualty umbrella and excess department and has built strong relationships with her team and clients.

“The financial impact has also been huge,” she added. “I’m 33 years old, and for the first time in my life, I feel financially stable. That’s a big deal for me.”

During the summit, employers participated in breakout sessions focused on business, tech, and youth apprenticeship models and had the opportunity to speak directly with current apprentices like Yesenia.

“Apprenticeships aren’t just good for individuals—they’re good for business,” Yesenia said. “They bring in fresh perspectives, build strong talent pipelines, and create loyal, skilled employees who are invested in your mission.”

To learn more about apprenticeship partnerships at City Colleges, visit ccc.edu/workforcesolutions.