ECC to Host Apprenticeship Expo at New Manufacturing & Technology Center

ELGIN, Ill., September 23, 2026 —Elgin Community College will host its fourth Apprenticeship Exposition on Friday, October 2, from 9 am to 12 pm at 1600 Spartan Drive, Elgin, in Building S.

The expo will allow participants to connect with representatives from traditional apprenticeship programs, union trades, employers, and colleges offering non-traditional apprenticeship programs and pre-apprenticeship opportunities.

“Apprenticeships have helped us begin to close the talent gaps in local manufacturing, offering students and community members an alternative path to career success,” said Gina De rosier-Cook, EdD, dean of workforce development & continuing education. “By raising awareness through this event, we aim to highlight the vital role apprenticeship programs play in strengthening our region’s workforce and to inspire more individuals to explore this impactful approach to achieving their professional goals."

ECC partners with local employers to offer multiple Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeships, including Certified Nurse Assistant, Advanced Manufacturing, Cook/Culinary, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning), Automation, Robotics, and Maintenance Technology, Firefighter, EMT and Paramedic, Information Technology, Transportation and Logistics, Bank Operations/Teller.

An information session for businesses interested in exploring apprenticeship as a talent pipeline takes place before the expo, from 7:30 – 8:30 am. Representatives from regional and state partners will be on hand to talk about incentives and other benefits for employers to participate in Registered Apprenticeship Programs. Registration is encouraged for this session.

For media-related questions or interview requests, contact the ECC Communications team at news@elgin.edu.

Contact:
Elgin Community College
Communications
Office: 847.214.7838
Email: news@elgin.edu

About ECC: An Achieving the Dream Leader College and one of the Aspen Institute’s Top 200 schools in the nation, Elgin Community College (ECC) is a comprehensive, fully accredited public community college and serves approximately 16,000 students each year. Programs of study include more than 30 major fields for university transfer, a full complement of pre-collegiate courses, corporate and continuing education, and more than 130 career-oriented occupational degrees and certificates. ECC is also a U.S. Department of Education-designated Hispanic Serving Institution.

ECC NEWS MEDIA PROTOCOL
All members of the media should utilize the communications department as the first point of contact. The director of communications may be reached at 847-214-7838 or news@elgin.edu. All Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests must be submitted in writing to Erin Schmalen, compliance officer, at eschmalen@elgin.edu or via fax at 847-214-7375.