State leaders celebrate the ribbon cutting of a new EV training center at an Illinois college | News [Video]

ILLINOIS (WTHI) – State leaders are celebrating the ribbon cutting of a state-of-the-art advanced manufacturing training center at an Illinois college.

The center’s main focus is to prepare the next generation of workers in electric vehicle technology. 

The facility was made possible by a $7.5 million capital grant from the state.

The program is at Heartland Community College in Normal, Illinois. 

Heartland’s program offers training, degrees, and certificates in electric vehicles and energy storage technology. 

The money that went to the program is only part of the $15 million investment from the state.

“Programs such as Heartland’s represent the best of Illinois’ commitment to investing in and educating the next generation of workers,” said Governor JB Pritzker.“That’s why my administration pledged $15 million to open these centers and why my FY25 budget proposes another $24 million—Illinois must …