Published on October 15, 2024
Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) will host a crucial roundtable discussion on workforce development with local labor and education leaders at the John A. Logan College Workforce Development and Construction Management Building (Building H) on Monday, October 21, at 9 a.m. This event will bring together local labor leaders, Career and Technical Education (CTE) instructors from John A. Logan College, and students to discuss strategies for utilizing federal CTE funding to empower Illinoisans and enhance the state’s economy.
During the roundtable, participants will discuss the challenges students, workers, and employers face in today’s evolving job market. The conversation will highlight opportunities for leveraging federal resources to strengthen workforce training and education programs.
“Career and Technical Education is essential for preparing our workforce for the jobs of the future,” said Congressman Krishnamoorthi. “This roundtable is an opportunity for us to hear directly from those on the front lines and explore innovative solutions to help our community thrive.”
Congressman Krishnamoorthi has been a leading voice for CTE in Congress. He authored and passed the bipartisan Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act, which significantly increased funding for CTE programs by $1.3 billion annually. Additionally, he introduced the Opportunity to Compete Act, which seeks to ensure that hiring practices do not unfairly disadvantage candidates who may lack a four-year degree but possess valuable experience.
John A. Logan College President Dr. Kirk Overstreet is honored that the Congressman chose JALC to host the event.
“This roundtable represents a pivotal moment for stakeholders in southern Illinois to share their insights and collaborate on building a robust workforce that meets the needs of the 21st-century economy,” said Overstreet.
John A. Logan College is set to start constructing and renovating the College’s Career and Technical Education Center. This project will be bid on later this fall, with construction slated to begin in early 2025 and be completed by July 2026. The EDA awarded the College $4.2 million, with the College contributing matching funds. The project includes a new 10,000-square-foot welding and CNC manufacturing building. This will provide a large state-of-the-art lab space for each program. There will also be renovations of 10,000 square feet to the existing H building for the HVAC program and 30,000 square feet to the existing vocational building with a 6,000 square feet addition. This work will be for both automotive services and collision programs.
Event Details: