Stuart Celebrates New Group Researching Projected Labor and Education Needs in Illinois

EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. — State Rep. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville, is celebrating a new working group launched by Governor Pritzker to identify workforce needs throughout Illinois and establish a plan to collaborate with educational institutions, local workforce boards, labor unions, industry leaders and more. The working group hopes to increase both job creation and increase employee preparedness and education for in-need careers.

“The importance of education, from trade schools to masters degrees, can’t be understated. A diverse set of knowledge and skills is what makes a community thrive,” said Stuart. “Research into our projected labor needs allows us to invest in education at all levels with more precision, ensuring the next generation of teachers and nurses and plumbers have the educational support they need.”

The State Attainment Working Group will be tasked with reviewing existing state educational and workforce plans, projecting workforce needs into 2040 and creating a program that will work to meet projected employment needs. 

The working group will be composed of education and workforce members from Illinois State Board of Education, Illinois Department of Employment Security, Representatives of the Illinois Workforce Innovation Board and more. Advisory members of the group will hail from the Illinois Department of Human Services, the Illinois Department of Corrections, and more.

Additionally, the State Attainment Working Group seeks to create more jobs where possible, offsetting decreases in employment opportunities with companies relying more heavily on artificial intelligence (AI).

“I’m a proud chair of the Midwest Higher Ed Compact, which does similar work to align our labor and education needs while supporting students through their education,” said Stuart. “I look forward to seeing what this group finds, and learning how we can continue to make smart, effective investments in education across the board. Meeting our labor needs is important, but ensuring the educational and career success of our future workforce is vital.”