Stadelman applauds state's latest investment in local workforce training
$400,000 funds pre-apprenticeships for disadvanted communities
State Senator Steve Stadelman cited a $400,000 state grant that is funding the expansion of a local workforce development program as yet another example of smart investment in jobs that improve people's lives and help businesses grow.
"Some people may not have a path forward or be able to see a path forward," Stadelman said Friday at a ribbon-cutting for EDDR Workforce Development's new storefront space in the Talcott Building in downtown Rockford. "This is life-changing. This is an opportunity for people to change their lives and change where they're going in the future."
Stadelman worked with State Rep. Maurice West to secure the Illinois Works grant to fund pre-apprenticeships in the building trades with a focus on women and people of color. In part because of the state's six-year, $45 billion Rebuild Illinois capital spending program, there's an ample supply of construction jobs that provide stable employment and good wages, Stadelman said.
"Construction trades jobs are out there. This is a growth industry in our state," he said, "so it's important the state invest money in organizations such as EDDR to make sure the pipeline is there for workers to take advantage of these jobs. These grants make sure those pathways are open to those who have been underserved and underrepresented in the past."
Chicago-based EDDR provides customized workforce development to fill positions with local employers and currently serves 40 students. The new training center at 319 W. State St. replaces a location on South Main Street where EDDR operated for four years. Besides building trades, EDDR also designs multi-course curriculum for certifications in medical billing and coding, emergency medical technology and information technology.
Click on top photo to view video from ribbon-cutting:
Stadelman hopes for 'route back to normalcy' under new budget
In response to the budget address given by Gov. JB Pritzker this week in Springfield, State Senator Steve Stadelman issued the following statement:
“I am pleased to hear Gov. Pritzker’s proposed budget prioritizes a commitment to economic development in struggling communities around the state. Our area has experienced a long and challenging recovery on the route back to normalcy. This budget ensures our struggling communities get the relief they need and will help them work toward restoring economic prosperity for working families.
“This budget invests $400 million in job creation and business development efforts across Illinois through the Invest in Illinois Act, and I look forward to helping our local businesses who are in need of help access these opportunities. In the upcoming months, I am excited to join my colleagues to negotiate a budget that works for all Illinoisans, provides avenues for our communities to see funds coming back home and that supports our residents who need help the most.”
In case you missed me on Facebook ...
State Senator Steve Stadelman
February 11 at 12:00 PM
February is #CareerandTechnicalEducationMonth in Illinois! Join me to highlight these important programs and the resources available for students across the state to advance their careers and train for the next generation of in-demand occupations. Learn more at: https://www.isbe.net/cte.
