Digital Transformation Consulting

In 2016, Accenture identified a significant skills gap in the workforce and launched a professional apprenticeship program aimed at addressing this issue. The challenge was to rethink their talent strategy to integrate apprenticeships into their recruitment and training processes. This initiative was further supported by the co-founding of the Chicago Apprentice Network in collaboration with Aon and Zurich North America, which aimed to assist other companies in establishing their own apprenticeship programs.

The tailored solution involved committing to having apprentices make up 20% of Accenture's entry-level hires in the US and Canada by FY25, with over 2,500 apprentices onboarded since the program's inception. The program not only provided hands-on experience and mentorship but also targeted individuals without four-year degrees, thereby promoting inclusivity and economic mobility.

Quantifiable results from the apprenticeship program include the establishment of 11 Apprentice Networks that unite over 200 companies, significantly multiplying the impact of the initiative. Research indicates that reskilled workers from these programs outperform traditional hires in key performance areas such as attitude, work ethic, productivity, and innovation. This strategic approach has allowed Accenture to tap into a motivated talent pool that is more likely to remain with the company, thereby reducing reliance on conventional degree graduation cycles and fostering deeper relationships with clients and communities.