|
 Funded in part by the State’s $15 million
Manufacturing Training Academies investment earlier this year – the
new EVES training program will help prepare residents and companies
doing business here to keep pace with demands in the fast-growing
electric vehicle production sector in Illinois.
“Illinois is well on our way to becoming the best state in the
nation to manufacture and drive an electric vehicle. But we’re not
stopping there,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Companies coming to
Illinois will find our exceptionally talented workforce ready to
fill the jobs they’re creating. That's thanks in large part to
community colleges like Heartland that educate our next generation
of leaders and serve as economic engines for our state. I’m proud
we’re taking another step forward in creating economic growth and
jobs for the people of Illinois.”
The first cohort of students in the EVES program began their
training this fall semester to prepare for jobs in the EV sector.
Completion of the program will provide students certification or
access to apprenticeship positions in EV related jobs, which
continue to grow and are expected to double in Illinois over the
next four years.
“Thanks to our collaboration with industry partners like Rivian, and
with the significant impact of the Manufacturing Training Academy
grant, Heartland Community College is poised to become a regional
leader in advanced manufacturing education,” said Heartland
President Keith Cornille. “We anticipate seeing 360 students
complete training through the EVES program over the next five years,
and to have our state-of-the-art facility open and hosting students
on our main campus in 2023. This will be a benefit for employers
seeking trained workers in the rapidly growing electric vehicle and
battery technology industry.”
Students are currently learning in a facility equipped with electric
vehicles and specialized equipment donated by Rivian. The location
is temporary as HCC develops a future on-campus facility funded in
part by a Rebuild Illinois capital grant. The proposed 6,278 SF
facility to be built on the primary HCC campus in Normal is one of
two new Manufacturing Training Academies in Illinois.
As part of a 5-year economic growth plan, the State of Illinois has
identified manufacturing and, specifically, electric vehicle
production, as high growth industries, calling for investment to
support workers and employers in preparing for future demand.
Illinois has seen major growth in EV production in the past couple
of years, including significant hiring by Rivian, and with the
investment of Lion Electric’s first-ever North American
manufacturing center coming to Joliet and creating 745 local jobs.
“As we’ve seen increasingly over the past year, demand for skilled
talent in the advanced manufacturing and electric vehicle production
sectors is higher than ever – and is poised to grow here in our
state,” said Sylvia Garcia, Acting Director of the Illinois
Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity. “Through Governor
Pritzker’s investments to bring a new Manufacturing Training Academy
to Normal, the State of Illinois is collaborating with industry and
community college partners to prepare more Illinoisans with the 21st
century skills needed to grow our vital manufacturing industry and
to help more companies choose Illinois for years to come.”
To sustain the continued growth by manufacturers and
to prepare Illinois for electrification – the administration is
investing in workforce training programs, such as those at Heartland
Community College; as well as infrastructure investments, including
$70 million earmarked in the capital plan to build charging
stations. Governor Pritzker also recently worked with the General
Assembly to pass landmark clean energy legislation, including
setting forth a goal of putting 1 million EV’s on the road by 2030.
“This program shows the great potential that exists
for Illinois to lead the nation in green energy and electric vehicle
manufacturing jobs,” said Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park).
“I applaud the investment Rivian has made in Illinois and the
investment that Heartland Community College is making in our future
workers. I hope this is a shining example of the great things to
come.”
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"We know the green energy sector is an integral part of our
future," said House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch (D-Westchester). "As we
continue to capitalize on our state's positioning to lead these new industries,
I'm pleased to see how this first-of-its kind program will spur innovation,
build a qualified workforce, and strengthen our working families across
Illinois."
"Our world and how we work, live and play is constantly evolving, and the
electric vehicle market presents tremendous opportunities for growth for the
state of Illinois. The Rivian facility here in the Bloomington-Normal area is
proof of that," said House Revenue and Finance Committee Chairman Mike Zalewski,
(D-Riverside). "I join Gov. Pritzker and his Administration to strongly support
our collective efforts to embrace the electric vehicle market and create more
jobs, cleaner transportation and an ever-growing stream of benefits for decades
to come. I am proud of this collaboration between Heartland and Rivian and look
forward for many others to follow in this innovative marketplace."
“Heartland Community College has taken advantage of the growing electronic
vehicle industry here in Illinois while prospering the next generation of
innovators,” said State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford). “Teaching students
about the importance of green energy and its use in motor vehicles will
emphasize Illinois’ dedication to stopping global warming and reducing
emissions. Our Community College system will ensure that Illinois electric
vehicle manufacturers have a skilled work force able to provide Illinois
residents with clean energy transportation."
“The new Electric Vehicle – Energy Storage Manufacturing Training Academy at
Heartland Community College is a state-of-the-art training program that will
help fill the growing demand for skilled workers well-versed in the field of
electric vehicle technology,” said State Senator Sally Turner (R-Beason). “The
Electric Vehicle – Energy Storage Academy is just the first step in Heathland
Community College’s overall vision for an innovative Manufacturing Training
Academy that will accommodate the regional demand for a workforce with a
skillset ranging from advanced robotics to renewable energy. I look forward to
working closely with President Keith Cornille and other Heartland Community
College leaders in the future as they strive to make their vision of educating a
highly skilled and diverse workforce a reality.”
“This Educational Partnership between Heartland Community College and Rivian,
will provide an Associates of Applied Science Degree in Electric Vehicle Design,
and good paying jobs in the E.V. field,” said State Representative Dan Brady
(R-Bloomington). “Thanks to funding held from Governor Pritzker and the Illinois
General Assembly ‘Rebuild Illinois’ Program.”
“This is an example of what is possible when you have cooperation from multiple
levels of government and the private sector, all working toward a common goal,”
said State Senator Jason Barickman (R-Bloomington). “This program will not only
help us grow a workforce that is competitive in an increasingly global economy,
but it will also help grow local jobs and businesses that are part of an
industry experiencing exponential growth.”
In honor of October’s Manufacturing Month – Governor Pritzker presented a
proclamation recognizing Heartland Community College and regional manufacturing
partners for their key role in preparing the Illinois workforce for advanced
manufacturing careers and for supporting growth of the industry and the local
economy. Earlier this month, the State of Illinois kicked off Manufacturing
Month in Illinois, celebrating the continued innovation by Illinois makers, the
40+ company investments announced so far this year, and recognizing the
immeasurable contributions of over 18,000 manufacturers and the hundreds of
thousands of workers they employ.
[Steve Fast
Director, Public Information
Heartland Community College] |
