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. As a result, Accenture has successfully created 11 Apprentice Networks that now encompass over 200 companies committed to advancing career opportunities.

The apprenticeship program at Accenture has set a target for apprentices to constitute 20% of their entry-level hires in the US and Canada by FY25. Since its inception, the program has onboarded over 2,500 apprentices across more than 40 cities. The tailored solution provided by Accenture includes hands-on training, mentorship, and competitive compensation, which not only equips apprentices with essential skills but also positions them for potential full-time employment.

The quantifiable benefits of this program are evident in the performance of reskilled workers, who have been shown to outperform their peers in critical areas such as attitude, work ethic, productivity, quality of work, engagement, attendance, and innovation. This approach not only helps bridge the talent gap but also promotes inclusivity and economic mobility, creating a more robust and diverse workforce.