225 ILCS 705/8.01
No person shall be employed or engaged at the face of the coal as a coal loader, loading machine operator, cutting machine operator, driller or shooter, timberman or roof bolter in any coal mine in this State without having first obtained a certificate of competency from the Mining Board, and having completed a course of instruction in first aid to the injured and mine rescue methods and appliances prescribed by the Department, except that any such certified miner may have one person working with him and under his direction as an apprentice for the purpose of learning the business of mining and becoming qualified to obtain a certificate of competency.
No person who enters employment as an apprentice miner shall be employed as an apprentice miner for a period longer than 12 months after becoming eligible to obtain a first class certificate of competency, except in the event of illness or injury, when time extensions may be permitted in a manner established by the Mining Board.
225 ILCS 705/8.01