Governor JB Pritzker released a report detailing ideas to improve employment opportunities for Illinois residents, especially those in underserved communities. The governor took immediate action to advance one of the key recommendations with a statewide apprenticeship model that builds on a successful partnership in Chicago, the expanding Chicago Apprentice Network between City Colleges of Chicago, Aon and a growing list of other businesses. Joined by apprentices, Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Acting Director Erin Guthrie of the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Aon CEO Greg Case and other leaders from the Chicago business community, the governor announced his administration will work with local businesses to create more apprenticeship programs for Illinoisans statewide. The agenda was developed in response to the governor’s third executive order, and it focuses on uniting workforce development partners regionally, preparing Illinois workers for careers and connecting job seekers with employers. The report’s recommendations draw on evidence-based practices, promising innovations, and collaborative input from leaders across the state, with the goal of ensuring that businesses, individuals, and communities across the state have the opportunity to prosper and contribute to the state’s economic growth.