Illinois is offering $24 million in grant funding to create six new manufacturing workforce training programs at community colleges across the state, Gov. JB Pritzker announced this week.
According to a state news release, the funding will support the creation of Manufacturing Training Academies (MTAs) in downstate Illinois, outside the Chicago metropolitan area. The grants will be used for facility upgrades, new equipment and hands-on training programs designed to prepare students for in-demand manufacturing jobs.
Community colleges can apply for grants ranging from $3 million to $6 million through April 30, or until all funds are awarded. Recipients will be chosen through a competitive Notice of Funding Opportunity process.
Colleges in Cook County and the five surrounding Chicago-area counties, along with previous MTA grant recipients, are not eligible for this round of funding.
Strengthening the manufacturing workforce
The initiative reflects a growing national trend in which community colleges play a central role in addressing workforce shortages in advanced manufacturing.
As U.S. manufacturers increasingly adopt automation, artificial intelligence and advanced production technologies, community colleges are acting as “innovation brokers,” helping students gain the skills employers need, according to a 2025 Rutgers University report. The study also noted that policymakers could do more to formally include community colleges in economic development and workforce planning efforts.
“Since the program’s inception, Manufacturing Training Academies have been an important link between growing manufacturers and the skilled workforce they need,” said Kristin Richards, director of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. “Expanding the MTA program is a critical step to prepare Illinoisans for a successful future in priority industries.”
Building on past investments
Illinois launched the Manufacturing Training Academy program in 2019 as part of its Economic Growth Plan and has already awarded four grants supporting workforce development initiatives.
In early 2024, Heartland Community College in Normal opened a training academy focused on electric vehicle and energy storage manufacturing in partnership with Rivian. Later that year, Southwestern Illinois College in Belleville debuted a 33,000-square-foot manufacturing hub centered on advanced automation, tool and die mold-making, and additive manufacturing.
Additional awards went to Richland Community College and Kankakee Community College for programs focused on clean energy manufacturing.
Broader push to attract manufacturers
The new grant funding comes as Illinois continues to roll out incentives aimed at boosting manufacturing investment. The state recently approved the Advancing Innovative Manufacturing program, offering tax credits to companies that invest $10 million or more in Illinois.
Under the program, qualifying companies can receive tax credits ranging from 3% to 7% on eligible purchases made on or after Jan. 1, 2026, further supporting the state’s push to grow its manufacturing sector and workforce.
Leave a Reply