Published on November 13, 2024
Celebration to take place on November 14 at Carterville Community Center at 10 a.m.
The Highway Construction Careers Training Program (HCCTP) is proud to announce the upcoming graduation ceremony for its latest class of trainees, set for 10 a.m. on November 14, 2024, at the Carterville Community Center. This event marks an important milestone for 11 dedicated students, including 4 women, who have successfully completed the program and are now prepared to enter the workforce with valuable trade skills in the construction industry.
The HCCTP is committed to providing disadvantaged communities, minorities, and women the opportunity to learn hands-on construction skills to help launch meaningful careers. This semester’s graduates have demonstrated exceptional dedication and resilience, and their success is a powerful example of the impact of this critical program.
The graduation ceremony will occur at 10:00 a.m. at the Carterville Community Center, 120 N Greenbriar Rd, Carterville, IL. Around 150 people, including the graduates’ friends and family, faculty and staff from John A. Logan College (JALC), and key Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) representatives, are expected to attend.
“We are incredibly proud of this cohort of graduates,” said Martin Merrill, HCCTP Program Coordinator. “They have worked tirelessly to acquire the skills necessary to succeed in the construction industry, and we are excited to see them embark on the next phase of their careers. Our program is dedicated to breaking down barriers to employment and creating pathways for individuals to thrive in a vital industry.”
The HCCTP provides comprehensive training in construction trades, including highway maintenance, safety practices, equipment operation, and more. Since its inception, the program has helped numerous individuals from underrepresented groups secure jobs in the construction field, fostering greater diversity and inclusion in the workforce.
“We believe this graduation is an important opportunity to showcase the achievements of our students and highlight the value of programs like HCCTP, which directly contribute to the growth and vitality of the local economy,” said Merrill. “We welcome local media coverage to amplify this success and celebrate the construction industry’s future.”
For more information about the HCCTP or the upcoming graduation ceremony, please contact Martin Merrill at 618-985-2828, ext.8643 or martin.merrill@jalc.edu