Apprenticeship Opportunities

for City Colleges of Chicago Students

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Discover Your Future Career

The City Colleges apprenticeship program takes you from student to employee, opening the door into several of Chicago’s leading businesses. You’ll get an inside look at what life is really like in a certain industry or at a specific company and earn a living wage all before you finish college.

What is an apprenticeship?

It’s a work-based learning opportunity. To put it simply, an apprenticeship takes a typical 40-hour work week (on average; some apprenticeships may require more or fewer hours) and divides your time between the office and college. You’ll spend part of your time in the classroom and part of your time at work, earning both a paycheck and college credit

Search Opportunities

Upcoming Events & Information Sessions

Engineering 2023 - 2024, CO-OP Program

Events

Information Session to learn more Monday, March 27 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. CST https://bit.ly/3XDlYcP Apply by March 31 Questions: jrao@getipass.com Download PDF here: Engineering Co-op flyer_0223

Professsional Services Internship Program

Events

Information Session to learn more Monday, March 27 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. CST https://bit.ly/3XDlYcP Apply by March 31 Questions: jrao@getipass.com Download PDF file here: ProfessionalSvcs Internship flyer_0223

McDonald's Cybersecurity 1 year-Apprenticeship

Events

Why should I apply for an apprenticeship?

To explore career possibilities

Let’s face it: It’s hard to know what your future career will truly be like if the only experience you have is inside the classroom. An apprenticeship grants you first-hand insight into how a company operates and what your day-to-day would be with a particular employer. It’s a great way to explore a career that interests you before settling on a profession.

To get a quality education

Because your employer helps dictate the curriculum and guides you during office hours, participating in an apprenticeship gives you an advantage over other job seekers. You’ll come to understand the exact technical, interpersonal, and communication skills required in your chosen professional environment, which gives you an edge during your future interviews and careers.

To become career-ready

Apprenticeships give students the unique opportunity to acquire work experience and expand their professional networks before they even graduate from college. The skills you acquire and the people you meet will influence your career long after you finish your education. Whether you continue with your apprenticeship employer or choose to part ways, the knowledge you acquire will put you in a prime position to get a job even before graduation

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible to participate in the City Colleges apprenticeship programs?

The apprenticeship program is available to all enrolled students. However, each apprenticeship will have its own requirements. Please check the apprenticeship you are interested in to see if you are eligible for that position.

How do I participate in an apprenticeship?

First, check out our apprenticeship listings to find an option that interests you. Then, read the listing and apply according to the instructions.
Please have your resume ready when applying for an apprenticeship. You can get assistance building or improving your resume at your college’s Career Center.

If I’m accepted, how long will my apprenticeship last?

Your employer will set the timeline, but apprenticeships generally last one or two years.

What sort of work will I do as part of my apprenticeship?

Work responsibilities vary widely between apprenticeships. Your duties may include interacting with guests or customers, troubleshooting software problems, manually repairing equipment, assist with auditing and reporting, assisting with design projects, or other possibilities.

What’s the difference between an apprenticeship and an internship?

An apprenticeship combines work with education and generally totals around 40 hours per week. You will spend a portion of your time in the classroom and the rest in the office, and your on-the-job training will count toward the completion of your degree or certificate. Furthermore, your employer will help determine what you learn on the job and in the classroom. This helps ensure you have the exact skills necessary for your industry.

Internships are distinct from your education. The employer doesn’t determine your curriculum, only your job duties. Internships may or may not be paid and may or may not count as credit toward your degree or certificate.

How much and how often will I be paid?

Pay rates are listed in the apprenticeship announcements, but most offer a rate of $15 per hour or more. Pay frequency will be shared by your employer once you’ve been accepted.

Where at my college can I learn more about apprenticeship opportunities?

Head to your college’s Career Center to find out more about apprenticeships and/or receive assistance with your resume and/or application.

How long will it take to hear back about an apprenticeship I applied for?

The apprenticeship team responds to submissions as they are received. After your resume is approved, you should hear from someone within five to seven business days.

If I am accepted into an apprenticeship, am I guaranteed a job with the company in the future?

At the end of each apprenticeship program, we hope the employer will extend a full-time offer if you have proven to be a good candidate and are mutually interested in continuing your employment. There is no guarantee that you will be retained. Our advice: Perform at your highest potential!

Who should I contact if I have any questions?

Please email apprenticeship@ccc.edu and/or Jakki Dace at jdace1@ccc.edu

CCC Resources

Career and Planning Center

Did you know every City Colleges of Chicago campus has career services staff dedicated to helping students and alumni achieve career success?

Career Planning & Placement offices offer:

One-on-one support
Assistance with major and career selection
Resume and interview preparation

CCC Success

Get inspired from students who have successfully completed work-based learning programs at CCC.