Peoria, Ill — There aren’t enough skilled trade workers in Central Illinois anymore and economic development leaders are determined to change that.
Local leaders held a groundbreaking Thursday for the new Illinois Central College Workforce Sustainability Center in Peoria.
It’s designed to help with the so-called “Great Resignation” by giving workers a chance to train for better jobs and better pay.
“Because they’re able to go from minimum wage jobs or a series of part time jobs…to a family sustaining career”, said Chris Setti, CEO of the Greater Peoria Economic Development Council.
He says the new workforce training center will hold more than a dozen dynamic learning environments supporting certifications in construction, IT, manufacturing, transportation and infrastructure development.
One key focus will be truck driver training.
According to Illinois Central College, there are only 40-percent of local workers with a degree or certification beyond a high school diploma.
The school says for the region to sustain a vibrant working economy, that number should be closer to 60-percent.
Setti says he’s hopeful that the new workforce sustainability center can be completed sometime in early 2023, but says the weather could certainly delay construction plans.
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