Hoffman Highlights Construction Careers Training Program Through SWIC and IDOT

BELLEVILLE, Ill. – Continuing his work to promote technical education and increase opportunities for women and minority participation in the trades, state Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Swansea, is highlighting the Highway Construction Careers Training Program (HCCTP) offered through Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC) with funding from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT).

“This program offered through SWIC gives students the basic skills necessary to be accepted as a first-term apprentice and start a great career in the construction trades,” said Hoffman. “Metro East students can get an education while being paid.”

The Highway Construction Careers Training Program through SWIC provides 450 hours of training and teaches skills such as construction math, job readiness, welding and hands-on construction. To qualify for the program, applicants must have either a high school diploma or GED, have a Driver’s License and also pass an interview screening along with a math and reading test and a drug test. The program will pay for tuition and materials and also pay students a $10 per hour stipend. Anyone interested should call Melissa Snelson at 618-874-6528 or e-mail melissa.snelson@swic.edu or reach out to Hoffman’s constituent office at 618-416-7407 or email repjayhoffman@gmail.com.

This year Hoffman passed multiple pieces of legislation to create new opportunities for union workers in the Metro East and Southern Illinois, including sponsoring Senate Bill 1360 requiring casino owners to enter a signed Project Labor Agreement before building a new casino. Additionally, Hoffman supported fully investing in the road fund which will bring over $28,491,000 in construction projects to the Metro East this year.

“I encourage anyone interested to reach out and apply for this great opportunity,” said Hoffman.

“As Illinois continues to fund infrastructure projects in the Metro East, skilled workers in the construction trades will be in high demand creating new jobs for people in our community.”