NORMAL – State Senator Dave Koehler joined Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity in celebrating the opening of a new cutting-edge advanced manufacturing training center at Heartland Community College.

“As a leader in clean energy, the State of Illinois is prioritizing preparing our regional workforce for local jobs in the clean energy economy,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “By investing in Heartland Community College’s Electric Vehicle Energy Storage training facility, the State is giving students access to specialized skill training while showing them the vast number of clean energy career opportunities available right here in Illinois.”

Heartland's electric vehicle manufacturing program – which launched at a temporary site in August 2021 – provides students with training, certificates and degrees in Electric Vehicle and Energy Storage Technology. The program also provides intensive upskill Electric Vehicle Technology Certificates for individuals with prior traditional automotive training and experience. Additionally, the facility will provide a space for advanced manufacturing programs in robotics, renewable energy and automation.

“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 new 45,000-square-foot facility supports approximately 200 construction jobs and 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.  

Programs like Heartland’s are made possible through the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, which focuses on building first-of-their kind statewide clean energy jobs training programs and is designed to bolster Illinois' qualified and diverse workforce in the clean energy and EV sectors while supporting communities.

More information about the training center can be found on the Heartland Community College website.