Press Release

U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $938,447 to Build Mobile Manufacturing Job Training Center in Chicago Heights, Illinois

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $938,447 grant to Prairie State College of Chicago Heights, Illinois, to establish a mobile manufacturing job training program. According to grantee estimates, the project is expected to create 350 jobs, retain 100 jobs and spur $8.5 million in private investment.

“We commend Prairie State College for its innovative strategy to cultivate its local manufacturing workforce,” said Deputy Assistant Secretary for Regional Affairs Dennis Alvord. “This new and innovative job training facility will provide workers with the skills they need to receive highly specialized jobs in the manufacturing industry.”

This project includes the purchase and renovation of equipped semi-trailers and other mobile platforms to house a mobile workforce training center specializing in welding and machining. Training will be provided on-site at area employer and community sites as well as to additional locations in underserved and under-resourced communities. This inventive approach to the job training gives the local workforce in an area that has experienced economic distress new opportunities for employment.

About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov)
The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation's regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA makes investments in economically distressed communities in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.