Illinois Funds $20 Million Manufacturing Academy at Joliet Junior College
The new facility will train workers for Hyundai Translead's $600 million expansion, which is projected to generate 3,750 full-time positions in Will County.
By Amina Kaminski ·
Joliet Junior College received $20 million from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to build a dedicated manufacturing training academy. The funding was allocated by Gov. JB Pritzker to address the skilled labor shortage created by a major industrial expansion in the region.
The investment supports the $600 million expansion of Hyundai Translead in Will County. This expansion is expected to create 3,750 full-time jobs. The college will use the funds to expand training programs in welding, HVAC, industrial maintenance, and advanced manufacturing.
Dr. Clyne Namuo, president of JJC, stated that the investment will prepare the skilled workforce required for Hyundai Translead to thrive. She said the college intends to honor its partners by preparing students and supporting employers to create opportunities for future generations.
Gov. Pritzker described the creation of 3,750 new jobs as transformational for the region. He said the state's investment in the college expands training opportunities for Illinois residents in advanced manufacturing while bolstering the state's workforce.
The new academy will occupy a 20,000 square-foot facility on the college's Main Campus. This construction is scheduled to begin in April 2027 and finish by June 2028. Training programs are planned to launch in August 2028.
JJC has collaborated with more than 100 employer partners to align career and technical education with regional workforce needs. The state's strategy aims to prepare Illinois residents for high-paying careers in manufacturing through expanded training capacity.
More Business · Bad Service · Report a business · Got a Story?
