Apprenticeship Program Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL

General Function:

Coordinates the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs that prepare participants for employment, registered apprenticeships, and further education. Serves as the primary liaison among participants, employers, community organizations, workforce partners, and internal college departments to support recruitment, career navigation, employer engagement, and successful program outcomes. Ensures compliance with grant, institutional, and U.S. Department of Labor reporting requirements while fostering strategic partnerships and supporting the growth of workforce development initiatives. 

Minimum Acceptable Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor's degree required.

Experience: Two years of experience in workforce development, student services, education, career services, or a related field.  Strong interpersonal, organizational, communication, presentation, public speaking, outreach, and networking skills required. Experience in recruiting, advising, coaching, or supporting students, job seekers, or workforce participants. Experience building relationships with employers, community organizations, and workforce partners, and assisting individuals with apprenticeship opportunities, employment placement, or workforce Transitions preferred. Experience coordinating programs, projects, or grant-funded initiatives and proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and customer relationship management systems required; experience with Salesforce, Banner, Power BI, or similar data management systems preferred. Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, work independently, and effectively engage diverse populations and community stakeholders, with a commitment to student success and workforce equity.

Characteristic Duties:

Develop, implement, and maintain pre-apprenticeship programs by collaborating with faculty, employers, workforce agencies, and internal stakeholders to design curriculum aligned with industry needs.  

Coordinate program schedules, participant onboarding, orientations, workshops, and completion of activities.  

Identify opportunities to expand and improve pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship offerings based on labor market demand and employer feedback.  

Develop and maintain program documentation, policies, procedures, and operational processes.

Develop and maintain relationships with employers, workforce development agencies, economic development organizations, chambers of commerce, school districts, and community partners to support participant recruitment, work-based learning experiences, pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship opportunities, and employment placement.

Promote Harper College apprenticeship programs and assist participants in transitioning into registered apprenticeships and other career pathways.  

Serve as a liaison between employers and participants by coordinating referrals, facilitating introductions, and identifying apprenticeship and employment opportunities that align with participant goals. Represent Harper College at career fairs, employer events, information sessions, and community outreach activities.  

Recruit and enroll participants through community outreach, workforce agencies, high schools, community-based organizations, and other recruitment channels. Conduct intake, assessment, and registration/enrollment activities; provide individualized coaching, mentoring, case management, and barrier-reduction support; and assist participants in identifying appropriate education and career opportunities.  

Maintain regular contact with participants, monitor attendance, engagement, progress, and outcomes, and track employment, apprenticeship placement, retention, and career advancement results.

Collect, maintain, and analyze participant and program data to ensure compliance with grant requirements. Prepare reports documenting participant enrollment, completion, placement, retention, and performance outcomes.  

Utilize systems such as Salesforce, Banner, Power BI, and other reporting platforms to track program activities and outcomes.  

Oversee grant monitoring compliance and activities, audits, and performance reviews.  

Prepare presentations and updates for internal and external stakeholders.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions:

Travel is required to partner sites for meetings and outreach activities. The ability to lift 25 lbs. is needed.  Participation in evening and weekend events is required. Work is performed in a hybrid environment including office, classroom, employer, and community settings.

Equipment/Tools Used:

Utilizes computers and web-based tools to perform the duties of the job.  

Supervision:

Under the direct supervision of the Manager of Workforce Initiatives, receives oral and written instructions as needed for specific assignments. Works independently with limited supervision to complete assigned tasks.