Staunton Star - Times - Published in the Interest of the Staunton Community for Over 143 Years

"Today, we are laying the groundwork for helping people in Litchfield and the surrounding region meet their full potential and get the training they need to land a good paying job," said Senator Doris Turner.

She was one of the featured speakers at the official announcement of the South Central Illinois Training and Innovation Center in Litchfield on Monday afternoon, Oct. 31.

"This is a great day for our region," said Litchfield Superintendent of Schools Dr. Greggory Fuerstenau, who served as master of ceremonies for the program.

The Litchfield School District was awarded an $8.6 million grant through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to transform a warehouse in the city of Litchfield's industrial park into a center to offer career and technical education to both high school students in Montgomery and Macoupin counties, as well as displaced workers. Located on Eilerman Avenue in Litchfield, the center is expected to launch in the fall of 2023, with programs in building trades, auto mechanics, welding and more.

Helping to secure the grant for the community was Deputy Governor Andy Manar, who could not attend the program due to an illness. Sharing his remarks was Todd Dugan, superintendent of Bunker Hill schools.

"Providing students and displaced workers with training opportunities to prepare them for good-paying jobs is a key economic development strategy and focus of the Pritzker administration," Dugan read. "Establishing a training and innovation center will provide fantastic workforce opportunities for Litchfield and the surrounding region, while solidifying the area as a training hub."

Sylvia Garcia, director of DCEO, said she was excited to see everyone so excited about this program.

"Gaining firsthand experience in technical fields can be a game changer for folks trying to figure out their career path," she said. "Facilities like the training and innovation center in Litchfield will help folks prepare for good paying careers in manufacturing and other growing industries in Illinois."

Senator Doris Turner was credited for helping to secure the release of the funds for the school district and fighting hard to make sure the project was a success.

"Ensuring that centers for career and technical education have state-of-the-art facilities is essential for a vibrant economy," Senator Turner said. "I am thrilled to support this amazing opportunity for Montgomery and Macoupin county workers, businesses and communities."

John Penn, who serves as vice president of Laborers LiUNA and Midwest regional manager said they used to employ 300 apprentices per year, and right now they have 900. He expects a labor boom in the next five to seven years, and praised the new training facility for helping to bring in new workers.

Litchfield Mayor Steve Dougherty told the crowd of approximately 100 that he's felt like the school community has neglected non-college bound students for some time.

"Those are the people we are here for today," Dougherty said. "This facility will provide so many opportunities for students in this region. What a great day this is for Litchfield."

Dougherty sited a new program in the Litchfield schools training students to become first responders, similar to some of the regional programs that will be offered at the new training center.

"The impact this will have on our region is unimaginable," Dougherty said. "This is going to be a great, great place to learn."

The next speakers were Ken Elmore of Waggoner, who serves as chairman of the board for Lincoln Land Community College and Dr. Ken Trzaska, who is president of Lewis and Clark Community College. Both schools already partner with the Litchfield school district to offer dual credit classes and industry credentials students can earn while still in high school.

Bill Montgomery, vice president of the newly formed SCI Prairie Works, a regional workforce development board, thanked the Litchfield school district and coordinator of the program Dr. David Lett, for bringing this vision to reality.

Litchfield School Board President Julie Abel thanked all the speakers for being there today, bringing a bright future for local students.

Dr. Fuerstenau was the final speaker talking about the journey of a project that started in 2020. He acknowledged several other school superintendents from Montgomery and Macoupin counties, who are already working together to provide additional curriculum opportunities to students.

Started a few years ago, the Montgomery County School consortium had 61 students participate in nine classes outside their home school district. This year, they have 191 in 12 classes.

"Nothing but good things will be happening here in the future," said Dr. Fuerstenau. "None of us know what the future brings. But when we stand together, our kids will have the best education in central Illinois."