Illinois Governor JB Pritzker visited the Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC) campus on Thursday afternoon, marking a significant milestone in the state’s workforce development efforts. This visit echoed his first appearance at the campus five years ago, shortly after his initial election. Back then, Pritzker emphasized the importance of enhancing workforce development programs across Illinois, a commitment he has continued to uphold.
Governor Pritzker recalled his early efforts to bolster workforce development, stating, “I was here a day after getting elected the first time to begin the journey for improving the workforce development programs in the state of Illinois. That was five years ago. I came here to sign an executive order strengthening our workforce development industries, not just for SWIC but for the state of Illinois.”
The focus of Pritzker’s visit was the unveiling of a new structure set to open for the fall semester of classes in August. This $20 million investment aims to establish a center for students pursuing associate degrees at the Advanced Manufacturing Academy. This initiative is designed to equip students with the skills needed for well-paying jobs in the manufacturing sector.
Mark Bosworth, Dean of Technical Education at SWIC, highlighted the state-of-the-art facilities available to students, noting, “We have 22 HAS CDC machines here and 12 robots. We have the old manual machines as well. We really believe we have one of the most advanced manufacturing facilities in the country.” This investment reflects the college’s commitment to providing cutting-edge education and training to its students, preparing them for the demands of the modern workforce.
The SWIC Belleville campus was abuzz with excitement over this project, which is expected to significantly enhance the quality of technical education and workforce readiness in the region. Governor Pritzker acknowledged the crucial role of local and state representatives in bringing this project to fruition. He remarked, “The quality of the people that you have to represent you locally or in state government really does matter.”
Pritzker also credited the efforts of politicians and civic leaders who supported the project, emphasizing Illinois’ leadership in workforce development. “We’re leading in making our workforce the ready, capable workforce that everyone wants,” Pritzker said. He added that companies frequently express their desire to do business in Illinois, drawn by the state’s commitment to cultivating a skilled and capable workforce.
The governor’s visit to SWIC underscores his administration’s ongoing dedication to workforce development and education. By investing in advanced manufacturing facilities and training programs, Illinois aims to position itself as a leader in preparing workers for high-demand, high-skill jobs. This initiative not only benefits students and job seekers but also strengthens the state’s economy by attracting businesses that require a proficient and adaptable workforce.
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Governor Pritzker’s engagement with the community and his focus on tangible improvements in workforce development highlight the importance of sustained investment in education and training. As Illinois continues to enhance its workforce capabilities, initiatives like the Advanced Manufacturing Academy at SWIC serve as models for other regions looking to boost their economic and educational prospects.
