ECC’s Third Apprenticeship Expo Welcomes More than 300 High School Students

Elgin Community College hosted its third Apprenticeship Expo on November 20, 2025. The event brought together employers, workforce development partners, and education providers from across the region, drawing a broad audience of students, job seekers, and community members open to learning how apprenticeships can launch or advance their careers. The expo also attracted more than 300 high school students exploring career pathways and apprenticeship opportunities. 

Local high schools, such as Streamwood High School, were attended with groups of mostly juniors and seniors. 

“Some of our students are going to be going to ECC,” said Katie Thompson, a Streamwood High School teacher who teaches internship and business classes. “An apprenticeship allows them to gain work experience while also earning money and making money. So, gaining experience and get their school paid for. What an opportunity.”

Thompson also noted she hopes her students can grow their soft skills by engaging in conversations with employers at the expo. 

The expo offered opportunities to connect directly with employers, union representatives, and education providers offering apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs across a wide range of industries.

ECC automotive student Alexa Henry attended the expo for the first time. 

“I’m looking for full-time jobs in automotive, and I'm trying to get work experience in the field,” Henry said. “I’ve changed my major a few times. I want to make sure I really like automotive.”

Henry hopes to work in a motorcycle shop where she fixes vehicles and diagnoses problems. She’s also interested in electrical work. 

ECC partnered with local employers to offer multiple Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeships, including Certified Nurse Assistant, Industrial Manufacturing Technology/CNC (Computer Numerical Control), Cook/Culinary, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning), Industrial Maintenance Technology, Firefighter, and Paramedic. 

For more information about ECC’s Apprenticeship program or Apprenticeship Expo, visit elgin.edu/apprenticeshipexpo or contact ECC’s Strategic Partnerships and Experiential Learning department at SPEL@elgin.edu. 

All media-related questions or interview requests can be directed to the ECC Communications team at news@elgin.edu.