SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Retail Merchants Association (IRMA) today announced the launch of the Illinois Retail Leaders Apprenticeship Program, which provides retail education, real-world training, and industry exposure to aspiring retailers. The first program of its kind in the state of Illinois, the curriculum is designed to cultivate the next generation of leaders in the evolving retail industry, which is the state’s largest private-sector employer and generates $112 billion in economic activity each year. Supported by grant funding from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, the program combines structured online education with on-the-job learning. Apprentices are already at work with Illinois retailers, and more will soon begin their training at the College of Lake County in March. Apprentices receive 150 hours of online retail instruction alongside 2,000 hours of paid, on-the-job training. Employers enroll either current or future employees interested in retail leadership careers and receive access to motivated trainees and up to $5,000 in tax credits per apprentice. “Retail is one of the most dynamic industries in Illinois, offering a wide range of professional opportunities from information technology and marketing to supply chain management, merchandising and loss prevention,” said Rob Karr, president and CEO of the Illinois Retail Merchants Association. “The Illinois Retail Leaders Apprenticeship Program will help build long-term and meaningful retail careers, while supporting Illinois businesses by fostering a highly-trained and skilled workforce. We’re thrilled to partner with the College of Lake County and retailers across Illinois to launch this impactful program.” “The next generation of retail industry leaders will grow from the opportunities provided through the Illinois Retail Leaders Apprenticeship Program,” said Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Director Kristin Richards. “The State of Illinois is supporting this critical program that will build upon Illinois’ world-class workforce and bolster economic development throughout the state.” Upon completing the program, participants earn a U.S. Department of Labor Retail Operations Specialist Certificate, a nationally recognized credential that validates their skills and experience. Coursework topics include customer service, conflict resolution, loss prevention, merchandising and display design, inventory management, cash flow and finance, and logistics. “College of Lake County is proud to partner with IRMA to launch the Illinois Retail Leaders Apprenticeship Program in Lake County. This program demonstrates the importance of public-private collaboration in addressing persistent workforce challenges,” said Kara Cunny, Acting Manager, Community Education, College of Lake County. “By investing in structured, earn-and-learn training, employers are not only developing a more skilled workforce, but also building a sustainable talent pipeline that supports business growth and the regional economy.” The curriculum was developed specifically for the retail sector by the Kentucky Retail Institute in partnership with the MBA Research & Curriculum Center, ensuring the training reflects real-world retail operations and workforce demands. The program is already delivering value to participating retailers, including All In One Laundry Services in Springfield and American Sale in the Chicago area. “This program allows individuals to earn while they learn, removing cost barriers to education and training,” said Pamela Frazier, owner of All In One Laundry Center & Services in Springfield. “Opportunities like this are vital to providing community members professional opportunities while helping strengthen our small business as we grow our workforce.” “The Illinois Retail Leaders Apprenticeship Program has been a game-changer for American Sale, connecting our people to innovative, engaging content that supports growth pathways within our organization and strengthens our succession planning,” said Kellymarie Heitmann, chief human resources officer at American Sale in Tinley Park. The Illinois Retail Leaders Apprenticeship Program is open to employees currently working in retail, those pursuing long-term careers in retail management or leadership, or individuals transitioning into the retail industry. For more information about the Illinois Retail Leaders Apprenticeship Program, please visit IRMA’s website. About the Illinois Retail Merchants Association (IRMA) One of the largest state retail organizations in the United States, IRMA serves as the voice of retail and the business community in state government. Founded in 1957, IRMA represents more than 23,000 stores of all sizes and merchandise lines. From the nation’s largest retailers to independent businesses in every corner of the state, merchants count on IRMA to fight for the best possible environment in which to do business in Illinois. For more information, visit https://irma.org. | 