Connor Supports IDOT Highway Construction Vocational Training, Graduates

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. John Connor, D-Lockport, is supporting the Illinois Department of Transportation’s Highway Construction Careers Training Program (IDOT-HCCTP), and their recent graduates, as part of his continuing effort to bring good-paying, sustainable jobs to Illinois.

“The apprenticeship opportunities that IDOT is offering with this program are a great step towards building a stronger Illinois with more job opportunities,” Connor said. “The numerous graduates of this program come away with practical skills they are using to build up Illinois’ infrastructure and the Illinois economy.”

The HCCTP, an initiative run by the Illinois Department of Transportation in collaboration with the Federal Highway Administration, is funded by the bipartisan balanced budget Connor helped pass last spring, which provided money for economic stimulus programs and practical, affordable jobs training initiatives such as this. The goal of the program is to offer vocational training opportunities and future employment prospects to qualified candidates, especially in minority and disadvantaged groups. It provides a free alternative to costly on-the-job training initiatives that often insufficiently cover critical elements of vocational education, and can lead to low-quality work, safety hazards and even injuries.

“Whether through budget negotiations, legislation or casting a vote, I will continue to work to bring good-paying jobs to Illinois,” Connor said. “Creating a thriving economy is one of my highest priorities as a legislator. IDOT is accomplishing a lot with the HCCTP, and we will see another generation of well-trained vocational workers as a result.”