Advanced Manufacturing Training Center opens at Illinois community college
A new Advanced Manufacturing Training Center has opened at Heartland Community College in Illinois. Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) were present for the ribbon cutting ceremony. The manufacturing training facility is designed to equip students for a career in the electric vehicle (EV) industry and other manufacturing spheres. Students receive training, certificates, and degrees in Electric Vehicle (EV) and Energy Storage (ES) Technology. Those with prior experience in the traditional automotive industry can upskill with Electric Vehicle Technology Certificates. The 45,000-square-foot center, which also offers training programs on robotics, renewable energy, and automation, received a $7.5 million capital grant from the state.
In a recent quote, Governor JB Pritzker said, "Programs such as Heartland's represent the best of Illinois' commitment to investing in and educating the next generation of workers. That's why my administration pledged $15 million to open these centers and why my FY25 budget proposes another $24 million—Illinois must be ready for the jobs of the future."
Heartland Community College President Keith Cornille added, "As the makeup of our regional workforce has changed so has the need for specialized skill training. 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."
About the Author
Alexis GajewskiAlexis Gajewski
Senior Content Strategist
Alexis Gajewski is a manufacturing writer and editor with nearly 20 years of experience covering the people, practices, and technologies that keep industrial facilities running. For more than a decade, she served as Senior Content Strategist for Plant Services, creating content for plant managers, engineers, and maintenance professionals on a variety of industrial topics.
During her tenure, Alexis worked to develop the brand’s digital strategy and helped launch and produce Great Question: A Manufacturing Podcast. She also created The Lighter Side of Manufacturing, a weekly blog that explored the inventive and sometimes humorous side of the industry.
Alexis co-founded Influential Women in Manufacturing, a recognition program that honored 49 women in its first two years, earned an industry award for Best Product Launch, and received a proclamation from Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and a commendation from U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth.
She also led newsroom operations and development at a large media company where she set editorial standards, developed training curriculum, and helped support AI adoption for more than 150 editors across 80+ brands spanning manufacturing, industrial processing, automation, and more.
Additionally, Alexis works as a freelance writer and editor, and her areas of interest include continuous improvement, the skilled workforce, and the role of emerging technology on the plant floor.
Connect with Alexis on LinkedIn
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