|
 Funded
in part by a $7.5 million State of Illinois grant from the Rebuild
Illinois capital plan, Heartland’s Advanced Manufacturing Center
features the State Farm Electric Vehicle Laboratory, the permanent
home of the College’s pathbreaking Electric Vehicle/Energy Storage
program which launched in 2021.
“Programs like the Manufacturing Training Academy at Heartland
represent the best of the innovation and care for students that
Illinois community colleges are putting forth every day,” said
Governor JB Pritzker. “With this lab as a resource, Heartland
students will graduate prepared for jobs of the future that are
hiring right now—a pathway to a career that will last.”
Construction of the 45,000 square foot facility began in the fall of
2022. The $17M facility incorporates remodeled space to further
support programs such as robotics, HVAC, welding, and digital media,
in addition to the newly constructed State Farm EV Lab.
On Tuesday, February 27, Heartland staff were joined by Governor JB
Pritzker, representation from the Illinois Department of Commerce
and Economic Affairs (DCEO), local officials, and industry leaders
for a ribbon cutting ceremony of the Center.
“The State of Illinois is investing in the clean energy jobs of the
future through its support of Heartland Community College’s
state-of-the-art advanced manufacturing training facility,” said
DCEO Director Kristin Richards. “Together, we’re opening the doors
to opportunities for Illinois’ world-class workforce by providing
them with the tools to pursue meaningful careers in the clean energy
industry and beyond.”
The Heartland Advanced Manufacturing Center is designed to support
the growing need for Career Technical Education programs that
balance out the robust curriculum for transfer-oriented students at
the college.
“As the makeup of our regional workforce has changed
so has the need for specialized skill training,” said Heartland
Community College President Keith Cornille. “This Advanced
Manufacturing Center supports degree-oriented and short-term
programs in vital Career Technical Education areas. This is the
work-ready skill training that leads to in-demand jobs. Eighty
percent of Heartland graduates in career programs find employment.
By expanding these educational pathways, we will help students find
a job, have an opportunity to upskill for a better job, and a
career.”
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The Advanced Manufacturing Center
project is funded in a public/private partnership with
programmatic and financial support from local business leaders.
In August of 2023, State Farm® provided a $1 million grant to
support the 6,278 square foot Heartland electric vehicle/energy
storage training facility.
“We are thrilled the State Farm Electric Vehicle Lab is ready to
welcome students,” said Apsara Sorensen, State Farm Assistant Vice
President of Corporate Responsibility. “This innovative hands-on
learning environment created by Heartland Community College will
equip students for in-demand job opportunities in Central Illinois
and beyond. We are proud to team up with Heartland to help students
realize their dreams.”
Manufacturing in McLean County, the center of
Heartland’s service area, generates $2 billion in total annual
economic output and supports over 7,000 jobs. On the state level,
Illinois has more than 15,000 manufacturers that employ 750,000
individuals.
"Illinois community colleges are a leading workforce developer in
the state and are continuing to expand access and opportunities to
dozens of good paying careers," said Brian Durham, Executive
Director of the Illinois Community College Board. "CTE programs at
community colleges are an essential part of our state's workforce
development strategy, and we are proud to be a part of preparing the
next generation of workers."
Heartland offers over 20 “work ready” manufacturing or industrial
support programs including a two-year Electric Vehicle Technology
Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree as well as four short-term
certificates which include EV Maintenance and Light Repair, EV
Energy Storage, EV Service Advisor, and EV Technology. The AAS and
Certificates are designed to prepare individuals with the skills and
competencies necessary for a variety of successful career options.
[Steve Fast
Assistant to the President, Public Information and Communication
Heartland Community College] |
