Illinois to spend $24 million to establish six new manufacturing training academies

The governor’s office of Illinois announced January 5 that it would spend $24 million in grants to establish six new Manufacturing Training Academies at state community colleges to bolster the state’s supply of skilled manufacturing employees.

The grants themselves will be eligible for use to create new training academies and upgrade existing facilities and training equipment outside of Chicago’s Cook County. In a statement, the governor’s office said the grants would be awarded to organizations that have not yet received MTA grants. Applicants may apply for grants of between $3 to $6 million, with applications accepted through April 30.

In a statement, Illinois Department of Commerce and Economy Opportunity Director Kristin Richards said the expansion to the state’s existing MTA program would strengthen the “link” between manufacturers and community colleges. Gov. Pritzker encouraged community colleges to apply for the funding.

What people are saying

“Our skilled workforce is part of what makes Illinois a manufacturing powerhouse, and this critical grant funding will empower more Illinoisans to pursue high-demand, well-paying jobs in our growing manufacturing sector,” said Gov. JB Pritzker. “My administration is committed to investing in Illinois' workforce and expanding job training opportunities across the state. I encourage all eligible community colleges to apply and help support the future of our manufacturing economy.”

“Every community in Illinois deserves access to affordable education and job training.” said Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton. “These investments ensure people can build their lives here at home. As we continue to grow as a hub for manufacturing and innovation, we’re making sure our workforce grows with us—so Illinoisans can train for good-paying careers, support their families, and thrive, without ever having to leave the communities they love.” 

“Since the program’s inception, Manufacturing Training Academies have been an important link between growing manufacturers and the skilled workforce they need, creating stronger ties between industry and community colleges to build new opportunities for people in those regions,” said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. “Guided by the principles in Illinois’ Economic Growth Plan, expanding the MTA program is a critical step to prepare Illinoisans for a successful future in priority industries.”

“Investments in skilled workforce training not only help fill a vital need for employers but also offer life-changing opportunities for students looking for a pathway to a good-paying job,” said Heartland Community College President Keith Cornille. “Manufacturing Training Academy grant funding supercharged the Heartland Community College effort to develop our leading-edge EV Technology program. We were able to leverage that funding to create facilities for a variety of advanced manufacturing training programs for high-demand job sectors. By strengthening our Career Technical Education programs, we’ve offered our students a pathway to a job, that can stack into a better job, and eventually a career.” 

Manufacturers investing in Illinois

Cache Energy to invest $2.5 million to expand Illinois factory
The $2.5 million investment will create 20 new jobs at the energy-storage startup.

Rockford Brake Manufacturing spends $6.6 million to reopen shuttered factory, hire 150
Four former employees of the Gunite Corporation bought its old location for their startup.

Pure Lithium Corp. battery co opens new Chicago HQ, announces pilot production line
The company hopes to supplant lithium-ion batteries with superior lithium-metal batteries.

Investing in American manufacturing in 2025 

This map shows where manufacturers are choosing to invest their resources, whether they are building new production facilities or expanding existing plants.