Illinois Awarding Grants to Train Illinois’ Next Generation of Manufacturers

Illinois is investing more than 20-million dollars to expand advanced manufacturing training across downstate community colleges. The capital grants will help create five new Manufacturing Training Academies at Illinois Central College, Kaskaskia College, Lake Land College, Lewis and Clark Community College, and Parkland College. State officials say the goal is to prepare students for high-demand careers while strengthening the regional workforce. Training will focus on automation, robotics, industrial maintenance, machining, metal fabrication, and biomanufacturing. Supporters say the academies could help employers fill skilled jobs and give students a faster pathway into growing industries close to home.