As the state of Illinois spotlights National Apprenticeship Week, Gov. J.B. Pritzker is touting the importance of apprenticeship programs that expand opportunities while also spotlighting the state’s workforce.

The state’s Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is hosting more than 50 events throughout the week of Nov. 14-20, according to a news release from Pritzker’s office.

"Illinois is home to one of the most well-qualified and talented workforces in the country," Pritzker said in the release. "During National Apprenticeship Week, we are proud to celebrate this workforce and raise awareness about the critical importance of apprenticeships and the pathways they create to good-paying careers for our people."

According to the governor’s news release, Apprenticeship Illinois has 543 apprenticeship programs that are registered with the Department of Labor.

The news release also noted that there are more than 18,000 active apprentices in the state with about 4,000 new apprenticeships offered in the second quarter of 2022. Last year, the state was fourth among all states with the number of apprentices that completed programs, according to the release.

The governor’s office also noted in the news release that the DCEO has been working to form a network of providers statewide to recruit, screen and provide training to help Illinoisians take advantage of apprenticeship opportunities.