Published on April 10, 2026

On April 8, Effingham Mayor Mike Schutzbach signed an official proclamation recognizing April 26 through May 2, 2026, as National Apprenticeship Week.

The proclamation details the crucial role that National Apprenticeship Week plays in raising awareness for Registered Apprenticeships, which “develop the highly skilled workforce that employers need and create pathways for Americans to catapult into in-demand, high-paying careers.” The proclamation also recognizes Lake Land College for its role in fostering local apprenticeship pathways alongside valued educational partners.

Two Lake Land College staff members, Director of the Center for Business & Industry Bonnie Moore and Apprenticeship Coordinator Lesa Allsop, joined Mayor Schutzbach for the proclamation.

“We are thankful for the City of Effingham’s ongoing support of apprenticeship and for helping raise awareness of the unique role these programs play, both in providing individuals with high-quality career pathways and in meeting the ever-changing needs of the modern workforce,” said Moore.

The Lake Land College Center for Business & Industry partners with many local organizations to offer a robust Registered Apprenticeship program, helping individuals jumpstart and advance careers in manufacturing, healthcare, transportation, childcare, construction and much more. Apprentices receive structured classroom instruction, gain paid work experience and learn on the job from skilled mentors. Upon graduating from the program, apprentices receive a nationally recognized credential that qualifies them to work anywhere across the country in their chosen industry.

National Apprenticeship Week is an annual celebration that showcases the success and value of Registered Apprenticeships nationwide. Currently, there are more than 800,000 apprentices across the nation building their skills for the workforce of the future.

To learn more about Registered Apprenticeship programs at Lake Land College, visit the Lake Land College Center for Business & Industry website at LakeLandCollege.edu/CBI-Center-for-Business-and-Industry/Apprentices/.