Tech-Enabled Workforce Training Impact in Illinois
GrantID: 7079
Grant Funding Amount Low: $20,000
Deadline: Ongoing
Grant Amount High: $100,000
Summary
Grant Overview
Targeting Job Seekers in Illinois: Tech-Enabled Workforce Training for Manufacturing Jobs
Illinois is experiencing a pronounced skills gap in its manufacturing sector, which employs over 600,000 individuals and significantly contributes to the state's economy. The Illinois Manufacturers' Association has noted that nearly 70% of manufacturers struggle to find qualified workers, exacerbated by technological advancements that have changed industry skill requirements. This gap not only affects productivity but also inhibits economic growth statewide.
Eligible applicants for this funding include training organizations, educational institutions, and workforce development agencies that engage job seekers in tech-enabled workforce training programs. To qualify, organizations must show how their proposed training programs will directly align with specific industry needs, especially those that integrate emerging technologies into traditional manufacturing practices. Real-world collaborations with local manufacturers are necessary to ensure that training content reflects market demands and trends.
Application processes require clear articulation of the training curriculum, inclusive skill assessments, and post-training support mechanisms. Applicants must also demonstrate a measurable impact on employment outcomes for their trainees. In Illinois, where the manufacturing workforce is agingover 40% of the current workforce is over 45 years oldinitiatives must focus on attracting younger workers and reskilling existing personnel.
Implementing tech-enabled training can transform the workforce landscape in Illinois by equipping job seekers with the necessary skills to fill vital roles in manufacturing. Given the state’s unique industrial composition, this funding is critical to fostering innovation and adoption of technologies that enhance production efficiency. Illinois stands apart from many neighboring states by offering comprehensive support for such initiatives, reinforcing its position as a manufacturing hub in the Midwest.
Eligible Regions
Interests
Eligible Requirements