The State of Manufacturing Apprenticeships: National Trends, ROI, and How This Impacts Illinois Manufacturers

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Insights You'll Gain

With this resource you will learn to:

  • A clear understanding of the manufacturing labor shortage, including why hiring is not keeping pace with demand and how retirements are accelerating the gap

  • Data-driven perspective on workforce demographics, including the aging workforce and lack of younger talent entering the industry

  • How technology and Industry 4.0 are reshaping skill requirements—and why they are increasing (not reducing) workforce needs

  • The business case for apprenticeships, including average ROI (~44%) and retention rates (93%)

  • Practical ways apprenticeships reduce hiring costs, improve productivity, and preserve institutional knowledge

  • Step-by-step guidance on how Illinois manufacturers can launch, scale, and measure apprenticeship programs

This report explores the growing workforce challenges facing U.S. and Illinois manufacturers, highlighting how registered apprenticeship programs provide a practical, scalable solution to close skills gaps, improve retention, and build long-term talent pipelines. Backed by national data and state-specific insights, it outlines the ROI, workforce trends, and actionable steps manufacturers can take to implement or expand apprenticeship programs.

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