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Webinars & Events

Local Partnerships, Lasting Talent: How Manufacturing Training Academies are Preparing the Next Generation of Workers

As part of the State of Illinois’ commitment to preparing residents for careers in high‑growth industries outlined in the Illinois Economic Growth Plan, the State launched capital grants to support the creation of Manufacturing Training Academies (MTAs). These investments provide modern facilities, upgraded equipment, and advanced training environments designed to skill the next generation of manufacturing workers- particularly in priority sectors such as advanced manufacturing and clean energy production. 

The MTA concept was first introduced in Illinois’ 2019 Economic Growth Plan, leading the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) to award two competitive grants to build and equip MTA facilities in north central and southwestern Illinois. In 2024, Heartland Community College in Normal opened a first‑of‑its‑kind Electric Vehicle Energy Storage Manufacturing Training Academy in partnership with Rivian, offering programs in robotics, HVAC, welding, digital media, and electric vehicle technology. Soon after, Southwestern Illinois College in Belleville launched a new 33,000‑square‑foot manufacturing education hub, expanding its training portfolio to include additive manufacturing, tool and die mold-making, and advanced automation/multi-axis CNC certificates. 

This webinar will highlight how Heartland Community College and Southwestern Illinois College successfully partnered with local industry leaders to establish MTAs and deliver advanced training aligned with regional workforce needs. Representatives from both colleges and their partner companies will discuss: 

  • How partnerships between colleges and industry were formed
  • An overview of their MTAs and key training programs
  • Early outcomes and impact on the local workforce
  • Lessons learned throughout development and implementation
  • Future plans for expanding and strengthening MTA initiatives 

Registration Link: https://illinois.webex.com/weblink/register/rdd34aa65f3db971171be442e2457da94