Stop Chasing Talent. Start Developing It.

The NextGen Makers Internship Program helps you grow skilled talent inside your company—on your timeline, aligned to your needs. Take the next steps: apply, sign your agreement and schedule your kickoff call.

What Is This Program?

*Please note: Due to strong interest, the NextGen Makers Internship Program is currently at capacity. Manufacturers are still encouraged to apply, and our team will follow up if additional opportunities become available.

 

The NextGen Makers Internship Program helps Illinois manufacturers take control of their workforce development with a structured, employer-driven internship program.

Participating companies can:

    • Build a reliable talent pipeline
    • Create intentional, hands-on learning experiences
    • Evaluate potential future employees before making long-term hiring decisions
    • Improve consistency in training and workforce development

Interns gain real-world manufacturing experience and job-ready skills.

Manufacturers gain candidates who understand their operations, culture, and expectations.

Who Should Apply

This program is designed for:

  • Illinois manufacturers with 250 or fewer employees
  • Companies primarily engaged in manufacturing (NAICS codes 31-33)
  • Businesses seeking to develop future talent through internships
  • Manufacturers without dedicated HR or training resources
SUBMIT INTEREST FORM

What Do You Receive?

Participating manufacturers receive:

    • Wage reimbursement (Up to $8,000 of paid intern wages, maximum of two interns per company)
    • A structured internship framework utilizing practical tools for onboarding, mentorship, check-ins, and performance reviews
    • Ongoing guidance from kickoff through closeout
SUBMIT INTEREST FORM
“Internships are more than short-term opportunities, they’re talent pipelines. The NextGen Makers Internship program supports manufacturers by laying the foundation for a stronger, more resilient workforce across Illinois.”
David Boulay, Ph.D. President, IMEC

How It Works

Step 1: Apply and Sign Online

Please note: Due to strong interest, the NextGen Makers Internship Program is currently at capacity. Manufacturers are still encouraged to apply, and our team will follow up if additional opportunities become available.

Step 2: Kickoff Meeting

  • Review program requirements and expectations

  • Identify internship focus areas and workforce needs

Step 3: Internship Planning & Setup

  • Complete an internship work plan

  • Finalize job description, competencies, and learning outcomes

  • Receive onboarding and mentor resources

Step 4: Recruitment, Onboarding & Support

  • Use provided tools to recruit candidates and get talent acquisition support

  • Onboard your intern and begin work

  • Conduct structured check-ins

Step 5: Closeout & Reimbursement
  • Required documentation for reimbursement:
    • Participate in close out meeting
    • W-9 completed within the last 12 months.
    • Intern I-9 documentation and proof of paid wages
    • NextGen Makers Internship Program invoice template
    • Completed project survey
    • Proof of paid intern wages (Interns must be paid at least Illinois minimum wage)

What This Program Does Not Include

  • Hiring and day-to-day management of interns

  • Supplemental training outside the program scope

  • Personal protective equipment (PPE) reimbursement

FAQs

An intern is employed by a company for a designated task/project and for a designated length of time. Interns are not guaranteed employment upon completion of the internship. Desired intern candidates are currently pursuing or have recently completed a degree, certification, or vocational training program.

IMEC will not be hiring interns, but can support in the talent acquisition and hiring process.

Yes. You can hire up to two interns. Wage reimbursement will cover up to $8,000 of paid intern wages.

Reimbursements will only occur once all requirements have been met and documentation is submitted.

Participating manufacturers are responsible for following all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws and legal hiring practices. All other hiring decisions, qualifications, compensation practices, and employment policies are determined by the participating company. IMEC does not serve as the employer of record and does not manage the hiring process.

The wage reimbursement covers gross intern wages paid. Taxes, fees, or benefits are not reimbursed.

The work setting must be Illinois based. While remote work is a common work setting, interns participating in this program should significantly benefit from having a presence at a production operation. This allows the intern to learn first-hand and to work closely with mentors.

The intern must be a W-2 employee.

There are no penalties for the internship ending prematurely. Once an intern has been identified they will have accounted for one registered intern through the program.

There are no internship length requirements. The program is intended to be flexible and fill your business needs.

Please reach out to the NextGen Makers Internship facilitator, Angelika Stratulat: astratulat@imec.org.
"The NextGen Makers Internship Program is a testament to our shared commitment with IMEC to invest in the next generation of hardworking Illinoisians. This program will support the state's effort to develop a pipeline of talent for Illinois' world-class manufacturing workforce, ensuring we remain competitive on a global scale."
Kristin Richards Director, Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO)

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By submitting this application, the Applicant acknowledges and agrees to the following terms. The NextGen Makers Internship Program is a first come, first serve program. Any award issued through this program is for the Applicant’s benefit only and does not confer rights or benefits on third parties. IMEC assumes no liability for claims arising from activities conducted under any resulting award. Furthermore, any funds awarded pursuant to this application must be used only for the purpose(s) described in the application. This application and any resulting award constitute the entire understanding between the parties regarding the subject matter and supersede any prior discussions or agreements. All awards are contingent upon the availability of funds appropriated by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity; if sufficient funds are unavailable, IMEC has no obligation to disburse an award and shall not be liable for any resulting claims or damages.

IMEC will maintain the confidentiality of any Applicant-designated proprietary or confidential information submitted through this application, subject to standard exceptions under law, and will use such information only as permitted. The Applicant agrees to comply with all required reporting, evaluation, and record-retention obligations, including maintaining financial and supporting records for a period of three years after the conclusion of the award.

 

Applicant Attestation
By submitting this application, the Applicant certifies that all information provided is true, accurate, and complete to the best of their knowledge. The Applicant further certifies that they are authorized to submit this application on behalf of their organization and have the authority to bind the organization to the terms of this program and any resulting award agreement. The Applicant also certifies the Applicant’s organization does not owe any delinquent debt or outstanding obligation to the State of Illinois, including but not limited to taxes, fees, fines, or other amounts owed to any state agency.