Elgin Community College has landed a $2 million in federal funding to buy training equipment for its new Manufacturing and Technology Center, which remains on track to be completed by the start of the fall semester in August.
The money was secured by U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, D-Schaumburg, through the annual appropriations process.
“The $2 million will allow the college to invest in advanced manufacturing training equipment at a higher level and sooner than would otherwise be possible, ensuring students have access to industry-aligned technology that reflects current employer needs,” ECC Director of Communications Andrea Watson said.
Krishnamoorthi was also instrumental in obtaining $936,000 in federal funding in March 2023 to be used for ECC’s mechatronics and automation programs.
The fifth phase of construction on the 150,000-square-foot, $88 million building is to begin in April and will include final paving and sidewalks, Watson said.
“Overall, the project is progressing on schedule, and we’re excited to see the building take shape as we move toward completion,” she said.
Site preparation work began in January 2025, followed by foundation installation a month later, structural steel erection in May, and enclosure and interior buildout in October, she said.
ECC is also spending $24 million to remodel Building 0, which is where manufacturing and tech programming is currently offered.
Both projects are being funded with $28.7 million from the state’s Build Illinois Bond Fund, $28.3 million from the college’s capital project fund and $55 million in alternative revenue bonds, which the college sold in September 2024, Watson said.
This semester, 830 students are enrolled in at least one course offered through the school’s manufacturing and tech programs, she said. Those include classes in industrial/integrated maintenance technology, industrial manufacturing technology, HVAC/energy management and welding.
“With the opening of (new center), ECC anticipates expanded capacity and continued growth in these programs, further strengthening the pipeline of skilled talent for local employers,” Watson said.
College officials are also having conversations with regional employers to align training with workforce needs, she said. The school’s apprenticeship programming has expanded in recent years as employer demand has increased, she said.
“We’re working closely with high schools, adult learners and employer partners to highlight the strong career pathways available in manufacturing and technology,” Watson said. “That work aligns closely with statewide efforts such as Make It In Illinois, which is elevating modern manufacturing as a high-skill, high-wage career option.”
The Manufacturing and Technology Center will serve students pursuing associate degrees, certificates and short-term credentials, as well people in the workforce who are building their skill sets.
In a update on the project posted to ECC’s YouTube page in December, Dean of Sustainability, Business and Career Technologies Cathy Taylor said new offerings at the center will include a pipe welding certification program, which can lead to apprenticeships with Pipefitters Local 597 in Chicago.
In response to feedback from local businesses, there also will be quality technician certification and an electrical vehicle program, Taylor said.
The college is changing the name of its industrial maintenance technology program to automation, robotics and maintenance technology, she said.
“Our faculty are working with local employers to identify ways in which we can update our curriculum and make sure it is relevant to what is happening in our local community,” Taylor said in the video.
ECC is in talks with local businesses about donating equipment or money to buy equipment and to come up with ways in which companies can be part of the center.
“We want your involvement,” Taylor said in the video. “We invite you to invite yourself to the table. And to the extent we can, we will be reaching out to you to be looking for ways in which you can help us make this a shining star, a state of the art facility for the local community here in the greater Elgin area.”
Mike Danahey is a freelance reporter for The Courier-News.
