Connor-Backed Bill to Bolster Practical Jobs Training Opportunities Now Law

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. John Connor, D-Lockport, is working to expand vocational jobs training opportunities in Illinois with his support of a law creating the Training in Building Trades Program, which awards grants to community organizations that offer jobs training classes.

“College isn’t the right choice for every child” Connor said. “Vocational training helps kids not cut out for college and leads to practical, sustainable careers that this law will reinforce.  Illinois families deserve reliable jobs that pay them enough to be comfortable, not bare-boned work that leaves them trapped in a cycle of bills.”

Continuing his efforts to boost economic opportunity and practical, good-paying jobs, Connor passed House Bill 2304, which creates the Training in Building Trades Program in the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO). The goal of this program is to provide opportunities for people between 18 and 35 to learn trade skills, especially in construction, electrical trades or plumbing. Connor’s bill is also required to give grants to at least three organizations in five geographic areas in Illinois: Central, Northeastern, Southern, Western and Metro-East. The bill received robust bipartisan support and is now law.

“Companies in Illinois are finding that there aren’t enough skilled workers with the necessary vocational training to fill jobs already available in the state.  This law is just one of many I have passed so we can grow a thriving economy for our communities, and I plan on many more,” Connor said. “We are going to build up a state with decent salaries, accessible jobs training and affordable college, and where the middle class doesn’t shoulder a skyrocketing property tax burden. It’s time for a stronger Illinois, and the future is looking brighter every day as a result.”