Feb 05, 2021
Last October, Governor JB Pritzker announced his intention to construct two community college-based manufacturing training academies in southern Illinois. “We’re investing directly in communities and in companies with programs that will allow businesses to grow, retain and attract new talent for higher-paying jobs of the future,” Pritzker said. “Through this program, we will bring investments where they are most needed, specifically for downstate communities, where these cutting-edge training opportunities have not been as widely available.” The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity says that 15 million dollars will be available to fund two centers.
The decision to house these new manufacturing training academies at community colleges makes sense. “As Illinois’ largest workforce training provider, community colleges statewide have the expertise to partner with local communities to help guide our residents on the path to mea