Richard J. Daley College and City Colleges’ Workforce Solutions team kicked off National Apprenticeship Week by inviting manufacturing professionals, HR and talent acquisition teams, and employers to the Manufacturing Apprenticeship Summit. The summit provided a unique opportunity for employers to learn about apprenticeship programs at Daley College and how those programs can strengthen and diversify their organization’s talent pool. Attendees learned about the impact apprenticeships have on students through Binjamin Davis’ speech. Binjamin is a maintenance electrician at Mauser Packaging Solutions and an alumnus of Daley College’s manufacturing technology program. He was hired full-time at Mauser as a maintenance electrician after completing his three-year apprenticeship “I was accepted into the ICATT program and started my three-year apprenticeship at Mauser,” Binjamin said. “That’s when I started to see how what I learned in school was applied in an industrial setting. It was challenging, but I loved my new-found responsibilities and the fact that I was being counted on. For the first time, I could say I had a career and not just a job.” Daley Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing Dean David Girzadas highlighted the mutual benefits for all parties involved in apprenticeships. Industry leaders like the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center also spoke positively about their apprenticeship experience. Both have developed impactful apprenticeship programs that bridge workforce needs with effective talent development strategies, helping companies build a reliable pool of skilled workers. Attendees were also able to tour Daley College’s Manufacturing Technology and Engineering Center (MTEC) building which provides students with hands-on experience using state-of-the-art equipment and learn how to establish an apprenticeship program that aligned with their organizations’ goals. National Apprenticeship Week highlights the value of apprenticeship programs in developing a skilled workforce and providing quality career pathways for students. It also emphasizes apprenticeships as a proven strategy for bridging the skills gap, supporting economic growth, and providing pathways to rewarding, high-demand careers. Interested in learning more about apprenticeships at City Colleges of Chicago? Visit ccc.edu/apprenticeships.
On Tuesday, October 1, Governor JB Pritzker, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), local leaders, and workforce partners at Richard J. Daley College gathered at Daley’s Manufacturing Technology and Engineering Center (MTEC) to announce the launch of “Make It In Illinois,” the State of Illinois’ first manufacturing marketing campaign. “Make It In Illinois” is a $5 million campaign focused on revitalizing Illinois’ manufacturing sector by attracting new talent and changing perceptions about careers in manufacturing—a goal Daley College is focused on. “As City Colleges’ Center of Excellence in Advanced Manufacturing, Daley College is honored to be chosen as a key partner to the Make It Illinois Campaign,” said Richard J. Daley College President Janine Janosky. “Our outstanding faculty and state of the art facility prepares students for modern manufacturing roles. We can’t wait to introduce more students to this field and to employers to further accelerate Illinois’ manufacturing economy. Through this campaign, Daley College will work with its network of community partners and manufacturing employers in Chicagoland to recruit job seekers, future apprentices, and students to our manufacturing education and training programs.” To learn more about the campaign, read the State of Illinois’ full press release below.
Groundbreaking “Make It In Illinois” Campaign Will Boost Manufacturing Talent Pipeline CHICAGO – Today, Governor JB Pritzker joined the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), local leaders and workforce partners at Richard J. Daley College to celebrate the launch of “Make It In Illinois,” the State of Illinois’ first manufacturing marketing campaign. This $5 million campaign aims to revitalize Illinois’ manufacturing sector by attracting new talent and changing perceptions about careers in manufacturing. “Over the past five years, with shoulder to the wheel, Illinois manufacturing has been undergoing a period of growth and transformation that is powering a notable economic turnaround. We’re rebuilding and reclaiming our status as a manufacturing powerhouse,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “With the launch of the Make It in Illinois marketing campaign, we are letting people know the doors of opportunity are open for thousands of Illinois workers and the state of Illinois is open for business.” “By investing in the next generation of skilled workers, we are ensuring that Illinois remains a leader in innovation and growth,” said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. “The ‘Make It In Illinois’ campaign will inspire more people to pursue fulfilling careers that contribute to the success of our state.” The “Make It In Illinois” campaign seeks to showcase the modern face of manufacturing in Illinois, highlighting the industry’s technological advancements, career growth opportunities, and vital role in the state’s economy. By giving the public an insider’s perspective on manufacturing, the initiative aims to appeal to a new generation of workers, including recent graduates, career changers, and those seeking meaningful employment. “Manufacturers have a storied history in Illinois, and through the Make It In Illinois campaign, we’re working to grow our world-class manufacturing industry and workforce,” said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. “From watching success stories online, to visiting a one-stop-shop for resources on the campaign website, and even driving past billboards in neighboring states, this campaign will meet people where they are and encourage them to make their future right here in Illinois.” Building upon the state’s strong manufacturing industry and storied history, the key campaign objectives include: • Increase applications for jobs at Illinois manufacturers • Boost enrollment in manufacturing-aligned training programs and apprenticeships • Promote manufacturing as a pathway to personal and professional growth “This innovative jobs campaign marks a pivotal moment for Illinois manufacturing,” said David Boulay, Ph.D. President of the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center. “By bridging the gap between skilled workers and industry needs, we are not only filling open job opportunities today but inspiring future careers in a sector vital to our economy. Illinois has always been a great state for manufacturing, and this initiative will further solidify our leadership in the industry.” “Manufacturers are creative, innovative and adaptable – traits we must all embrace to grow a strong manufacturing workforce of the future,” said Sarah Hartwick, Vice President of Education & Workforce Policy at the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association. “With tens of thousands of available manufacturing jobs in Illinois, this campaign is a unique way to reach people where they are. Manufacturers are eager to train employees and help them learn new skills needed to succeed in the industry. No matter your background, there’s a manufacturing job that’s right for you.” Utilizing a multi-channel approach, this campaign will reach its audience by video, social media, outdoor advertising, and partnerships with educational institutions, including Richard J. Daley College. It will target prospective employees, students, career changers, and key influencers such as family members and educators. “As City Colleges’ Center of Excellence in Advanced Manufacturing, Daley College is honored to be chosen as a key partner to the Make It Illinois Campaign,” said Richard J. Daley College President Janine Janosky. “Our outstanding faculty and state of the art facility prepares students for modern manufacturing roles. We can’t wait to introduce more students to this field and to employers to further accelerate Illinois’ manufacturing economy. Through this campaign, Daley College will work with its network of community partners and manufacturing employers in Chicagoland to recruit job seekers, future apprentices, and students to our manufacturing education and training programs.” “The Illinois Innovation Network is proud to support the State’s Make It In Illinois campaign,” said Jay Walsh, University of Illinois Vice President for Economic Development and Innovation, whose office oversees the IIN. “Manufacturing is a sector in which IIN has a strategic focus and Make It In Illinois will help grow the sector across the state.” This campaign, funded in the Governor’s FY24 budget, was created by Arthur Agency with its partners, GuerrillaFilm, Flowers Communications Group and Pixo. All work was done in coordination with DCEO and the IIN, along with guidance from partners representing the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association, Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center, Intersect Illinois, Revolution Workshop, mHUB, MxD, Illinois School Counselor Association, and more. “The Make It In Illinois campaign is targeting individuals in every corner of the state – and even across state lines – with a goal of growing our top tier manufacturing workforce,” said Senator Willie Preston (D – Chicago). “Through these efforts, the State is providing essential resources and opportunities that will bolster economic development throughout Illinois.” For more information about the “Make It In Illinois” campaign and to explore manufacturing opportunities in Illinois, visit makeitinillinois.com. ###
This week, tens of thousands of manufacturing technology professionals from around the world are gathering in Chicago for one of the industry’s largest trade shows—the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) 2024. Daley College President Dr. Janine Janosky helped kick off the six-day convention by participating in a panel discussion titled “Community Colleges: Economic Engines for Manufacturing Growth” on Monday, September 9. The conversation focused on how community colleges, like the one President Janosky leads, are preparing students for success in the high-demand field of manufacturing. President Janosky was joined by the following leaders in manufacturing education, industry, and research:
Dr. Deb Volzer – Director of Governments and Workforce Partnerships, SME Manufacturing Imperative Dr. Lori Suddick – President, College of Lake County Dr. Vincent Boyd – District Director, Advanced Manufacturing Industry, St. Louis Community College Jack McKenzie – President, CollegeAPP Moderator: Cara Pattison – Program Manager, Manufacturing Imperative, Workforce Pipeline Challenge
Daley College is home to the Manufacturing Technology and Engineering Center (MTEC), which prepares students for careers using state-of-the-art technology. MTEC was the 2024 recipient of mHUB’s Fourth Revolution Community Empowerment Award due to its work to bring diversity, equity, and inclusion to the technology, manufacturing, and innovation spaces. Additionally, last fall, the college’s Manufacturing Engineering Technology Program became accredited by the National Institute for Metalworking Skills, Inc. (NIMS), a certification it will hold through September 14, 2028. NIMS accreditation is the country’s only distinction for excellence in manufacturing training.
Director of Daley’s Manufacturing Technology and Engineering Center (MTEC), Daley’s Dean of Advanced Manufacturing Dave Girzadas, City Colleges of Chicago Chancellor Juan Salgado, President of Daley College Janine Janosky, and mHUB’s Chief Executive Officer Haven Allen. Richard J. Daley College’s Manufacturing Technology and Engineering Center (MTEC) is the 2024 recipient of mHUB’s Fourth Revolution Community Empowerment Award. Daley was selected as one of five finalists out of a record number of submissions. The college was ultimately selected as the recipient during the Fourth Revolution Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, March 13 at the mHUB Innovation Center in Chicago. According to mHUB, Daley was selected as this year’s recipient due to its work bringing diversity, equity, and inclusion to the technology, manufacturing, and innovation spaces and was highlighted as an organization that’s shaping the future of industry in the region. mHUB is an innovation center that ensures that the manufacturing industry continues to accelerate, grow and thrive. The mHUB community includes more than 500 active and alumni startups and small businesses supported by a deep talent pool of product designers and developers, entrepreneurs, engineers and manufacturers, corporate leaders, industry experts, mentors, and investors. mHUB cultivates an environment for entrepreneurs to help them create something innovative that will lead to new businesses, intellectual property, investment, revenue, and job creation. Since launching in 2017, mHUB has invested in 36 startups across sustainable manufacturing, climate, energy, and medicine.
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April Is Community College Month April 1, 2025
City Colleges is celebrating Community College Month throughout April as we recognize the vital role that community colleges play in shaping students' futures, strengthening communities, and...
