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Apprentice Design Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Sims-Lohman, Inc.

Design Sales Apprentice

Elgin, IL · On-site

The Design Sales Apprentice will work with our Design Team Members to be developed to provide overall customer service, relationship and project management to custom builders, remodelers, contractors ...

Sims-Lohman, Inc.

Design Sales Apprentice

Elgin, IL

$20 - $22/hr

The Design Sales Apprentice will work with our Design Team Members to be developed to provide overall customer service, relationship and project management to custom builders, remodelers, contractors ...

Actalent

Mechanical Design Engineer

Wheeling, IL

$40 - $45/hr

Hands-on mechanical design experience gained through work, trade, apprenticeship, or similar practical paths; no formal degree required. * Experience designing industrial equipment, specifically ...

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All JobsApprentice Design JobsApprentice Design Jobs in Chicago, IL

Apprentice Design information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$12

$22

$38

How much do apprentice design jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for apprentice design in Chicago, IL is $22.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.84 and $24.76 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Apprentice Design vs Junior Designer?

AspectApprentice DesignJunior Designer
Required CredentialsBasic education, often in progress of learning design skillsSome formal education or training, basic design skills
Work EnvironmentMentorship-focused, entry-level projectsSupervised projects, collaborative team settings
Employer UsageTraining roles in design firms or agenciesEntry-level position in design teams

Apprentice Design roles are primarily focused on learning and gaining hands-on experience under supervision, often with minimal prior skills. Junior Designer positions require some foundational skills and involve contributing to projects with more independence. Both roles serve as stepping stones in a design career, but apprenticeships emphasize training, while junior roles focus on applying skills in real-world projects.

What types of projects can an Apprentice Designer expect to work on, and how much creative input is typically allowed at this level?

As an Apprentice Designer, you can expect to work on a variety of projects ranging from supporting senior designers with ongoing campaigns to assisting in the creation of assets for digital and print media. While much of your work will involve following established guidelines and direction from more experienced team members, many organizations encourage apprentices to contribute their ideas and bring a fresh perspective to brainstorming sessions. Over time, as you demonstrate your skills and initiative, you'll likely be given more responsibility and creative freedom on projects. Collaboration with other departments, such as marketing or product teams, is common, providing valuable exposure to the full design process.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Apprentice Designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Apprentice Designer, you need a solid understanding of design principles, basic proficiency in graphic design or related coursework, and a strong creative portfolio. Familiarity with industry-standard tools like Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) is typically expected. Strong attention to detail, effective communication, and a willingness to learn from feedback help set you apart in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for producing high-quality design work, collaborating with senior designers, and growing professionally in a fast-paced creative environment.

What does an Apprentice Designer do?

An Apprentice Designer is an entry-level professional who works under the supervision of experienced designers to learn the fundamentals of design. Their responsibilities often include assisting with concept development, creating drafts or prototypes, and supporting the design team in various projects. They may work in fields such as graphic design, fashion, interior design, or industrial design. The apprenticeship provides hands-on experience, allowing them to build their skills and portfolio while gaining insight into industry practices. Over time, apprentice designers may take on more complex tasks as they grow in their role.
What are the most commonly searched types of Design jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Design jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Apprentice Design jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Apprentice Design job openings:
Apprentice Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Apprentice Design job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $47,187 per year, or $22.7 per hour.
Design Sales Apprentice

Design Sales Apprentice

Sims-Lohman, Inc.

Elgin, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 3 hours ago

Sims-Lohman rating

4.7

Company rating: 4.7 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

51st of 53 rated home improvement suppliers and fitters

Job description

WHO ARE WE?
Sims-Lohman is a family-owned distributor of cabinets and fabricator of granite and quartz countertops. Our legacy of developing trusted relationships within the building industry has helped our business evolve and grow over the last 50 years. This is a fantastic time to join our team. We have consistently ranked among the fastest growing companies in America on the Inc. 5000 list. We provide our Team Members with a competitive salary and benefit package including Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability coverages and a 401(k) plan.
We are currently searching for a Design Sales Apprentice. The Design Sales Apprentice will work with our Design Team Members to be developed to provide overall customer service, relationship and project management to custom builders, remodelers, contractors and their clientele. While in development, the Design Sales Apprentice will be the primary front desk attendant to meet, greet and direct customers.
WHO ARE YOU?
You LOVE interior design and dream of a job in which you are creating beautiful interior spaces with customers. You have a natural ability to interact easily with people. You have a knack for computer software programs to demonstrate your design thoughts. You are detailed oriented, a good record keeper, a good scheduler and good at order entry. You like to interact with customers and surprise them with options. You may already be experienced in a business to business, home builder or manufacturer of builder product supporting the home builder. You laugh at job ads that require computer skills, as if life does not require the use of a computer every day for almost every task that you do. You definitely are used to a fast-paced, fun, office environment where casual dress is an everyday event. You can multi-task, prioritize your day, manage time efficiently and follow policy and procedure with ease.

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