Unifying the Illinois Workforce Ecosystem Using Talent Pipeline Management
Meet Kim Kuchenbrod, work-based learning & talent management administrator of Apprenticeship Illinois, an “earn and learn” initiative that provides apprentices with an opportunity to obtain paid work experience, classroom instruction, and earn a portable, nationally recognized credential. A member of the 2015 TPM pilot, Kuchenbrod and other workforce leaders from around the country supported the U.S. Chamber Foundation’s efforts to design the six TPM strategies. At the time of the pilot, Kuchenbrod was leading Vermillion Advantage’s expansion of Vermillion County’s K-16 workforce development program and was already successfully demonstrating effective employer engagement. With more than two decades of experience in both the public and private sectors, Kuchenbrod’s expertise includes strategic planning, policy formulation, and research and monitoring under the Workforce Investment Act. She has led employer collaboratives in various industries including healthcare, construction, manufacturing, education, and several more. Kuchenbrod is currently leading the charge to unify Illinois’ workforce system while using the TPM framework to organize their efforts.
In 2020, Kuchenbrod became the Talent Management Administrator for Illinois. In this role, she helped design the blueprint for TPM implementation strategies utilizing Illinois’ current unified state plan to organize their workforce development efforts and eliminate siloes throughout the state. Leveraging their business services teams and other partners, the state engages employers in 10 economic development regions to establish and sustain healthy talent pipelines using a comprehensive approach. Employers work collaboratively with training providers to create career pathways and training solutions that are efficient and accessible to job seekers. As a result of implementing this plan, Illinois’ Workforce Development System will:
- Be a national example of excellence in its approach to collaboration and customer service.
- Enhance employers’ abilities to hire and retain skilled workers that meet their emerging needs.
- Use customer-centered and data-informed practices to improve the quality of the jobseeker experience in pursuing fulfilling career pathways in a manner that is equitable and accessible.
- Support the state’s efforts to cultivate next generation technologies.
As a result of Kuchenbrod’s efforts to create effective work-based learning programs, Illinois is off to a great start with plans to expand. From 2022-2023, Illinois was ranked number one for workforce development in the Midwest region, primarily for their apprenticeship programs. Illinois also ranks in the top 3 nationally for total apprenticeships during National Apprenticeship Week. Currently, Apprenticeship Illinois has 20,965 active apprentices with 1,700 employers supporting 455 active programs. In February 2025, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced up to $10 million in funding for the Apprenticeship Expansion Competitive Grant Program, which will support workforce programs that can expand existing Registered Apprenticeship Programs. Kuchenbrod’s implementation of the TPM framework is playing a significant role in advancing talent alignment across Illinois and the introduction of apprenticeships for onboarding new talent, ensuring workforce strategies are effectively tailored to meet industry needs.
As one of the most seasoned TPM practitioners in the nation, Kuchenbrod has made significant contributions to the TPM National Learning Network. Serving as a TPM Academy Faculty member, Kuchenbrod routinely shares her knowledge and expertise with TPM Academy learners. In less than two years, she has coordinated three TPM Academies to train Illinois workforce leaders on the TPM approach. The most recent TPM Academy of Illinois celebrated their graduation in tandem with the 2025 WIOA Summit.
When asked about what she enjoys most about bringing TPM to her community, she said, “I love seeing businesses, educators, and workforce leaders come together to create real opportunities for people. Talent Pipeline Management isn't just a framework—it’s a way to bridge gaps, align skills with industry demands, and empower individuals to thrive in meaningful careers. Watching the local workforce grow stronger and more connected is the most rewarding part of this work.”
