West Backs Measure to Bring Together Schools and Employers to Prepare Workers for High-Wage Jobs

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Highlighting the need to create high-paying jobs, state Rep. Maurice West II, D-Rockford, backed a proposal Thursday to create the 21st Century Employment Grant Program, an effort designed to allow employers to enter into public-private partnerships to create customized job training programs with community colleges and high schools.

“We have to look at ways to provide opportunity to students here in Rockford and across the state to have access to specialized training that prepares them for careers that are in demand,” West said. “By making it easier for schools to partner with businesses, we are giving students more direct training that will allow them to start earning more right away.”

West supported Senate Bill 1919, an initiative backed by the Illinois Chamber of Commerce and the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association, to create a statewide workforce training grant modeled after a successful program developed at Richland Community College in Decatur. The grant program aims to establish partnerships with community colleges, high schools and local employers to train students for a career, while also teaching them the professional skills required to be successful in a work setting.

“It’s critically important that we invest in programs that will develop our talented youth and make our region more attractive for business investment,” West said. “This is one step in a continuing effort to make sure our state is ready for the economy of today and tomorrow.”