HCC announces $7.5 million electric vehicle training academy

Posted on April 28, 2021
The new program will begin enrolling students in the fall. (Pictured: Heartland Community College President Keith Cornille (far left), James Chen, Vice President of Public Policy and Chief Regulatory Counsel for Rivian (second left), Gov. Pritzker (first second right) and DCEO Acting Director Sylvia Garcia (far right). (Photo courtesy: Blake Haas/WJBC)

By Blake Haas

NORMAL – A new electric vehicle workforce development program is coming to Heartland Community College at the tune of $7.5 million.

On Wednesday, Gov. Pritzker announced the new workforce partnership between Rivian and the college would enable the development of the new Electric Vehicle-Energy Storage Manufacturing Training Academy (EVES), the first-of-its-kind.

“I think that the very important thing is making sure that the skilled jobs that open up at these manufacturing facilities that are establishing or growing in Illinois have the skilled labor that are available to them,” added Gov. Pritzker. ” We’ve seen too often that jobs get created, we have lot’s of people who don’t have a job, but they don’t necessarily have the skills to fill the job that is available.

“It’s our job; it’s community colleges and others who create those opportunities who just provide the skill development with our labor force.”

In addition to the program, HCC will develop a new auto shop for EV manufacturing, will enroll around a dozen students in the fall.

Heartland Community College President Keith Cornille (far left) elbow bumps Gov. Pritzker (far right) as James Chen, Vice President of Public Policy and Chief Regulatory Counsel for Rivian looks on (middle). (Photo courtesy: Blake Haas/WJBC)

“The EVE’s manufacturing training academy will support the creation of new programs in electric vehicle technology and energy storage system technology,” said HCC President Keith Cornille. “Beginning this fall, the program will position our area to lead Illinois and the central part of our nation in electric vehicle manufacturing and service.

“Course work, certificates, and degrees at Heartland’s electric vehicle program will provide training and upscaling in a wide variety of occupations. Heartland will also develop an electric vehicle technology skills certificate stackable to an associates of applied science in electric vehicle technology and or an associates in applied science in industrial technology.”

James Chen, Vice President of Public Policy and Chief Regulatory Counsel for Rivian said the program would providing a lasting impact on the community.

“This project will help prepare local workers for the well-paid technical jobs that the clean energy transition requires… This project also reflects Rivians core values of community empowerment, innovation, and a strong foundation for continued growth and success of the electric vehicle industry.”

Funding for the new academy and program comes from Rebuild Illinois state grants and a $1.5 million private employer commitment.

Rivan plans to begin producing its R1T pickup and R1S SUV at its manufacturing plant in Normal later this summer. (Photo courtesy: Blake Haas/WJBC)

Blake Haas can be reached at [email protected].

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