Youth Workforce Development

On Wednesday, July 31, 2024 in Springfield, Ill., it was announced that thousands of Illinois youth will be able to pursue careers operating heavy machinery, under a new federal grant program announced Wednesday aimed at addressing a critical workforce shortage.

U.S. Representative Nikki Budzinski joined officials with the Youth Workforce Development Foundation, affiliated with SkillsUSA Illinois, and the Associated Equipment Distributors (AED) on Wednesday, July 31, at Lincoln Land Community College in Springfield to announce nearly $8 million in funding through the Apprenticeships Builds America federal program.

Earlier this month, the Biden Administration announced the grant as part of more than $244 million being distributed through the U.S. Department of Labor to help expand the Registered Apprenticeship system. The heavy equipment supply chain is critical to the national economy but workforce shortages in diesel technicians and heavy equipment operators are expected to exceed from 24,000 to 42,000 within a decade with retirements and career changes.

In its successful request for funding, the Youth Workforce Development Foundation and AED noted high costs and specialized skill sets limit high schools’ ability to offer heavy equipment operator and diesel equipment technology training programs.

The two groups will work in Illinois to help schools provide the necessary heavy equipment training programs. They also will support career-focused Industry Pathways events, where students receive hands-on instruction and work on the diesel and heavy equipment with industry companies and laborers. The events help employers meet students interested in the field and develop relationships for youth-focused apprenticeships that might lead to longer-term careers.

One of the key partners of this grant will be SkillsUSA Illinois, Inc., a state association focused on ensuring the future of skilled trade professionals. The funds will focus on enhancing SkillsUSA chapter programs and connecting program graduates to career opportunities.

YWDF and AED credit Rep. Budzinski’s office for playing an important role in helping secure the funding opportunity. They also will be working to recruit women and minorities into the heavy equipment operator field while marketing the career-focused training program to thousands of students.

“We know from our successful career pathways events and competitions, and our work in schools across Illinois throughout the year, students are ready for success in careers that don’t require a four-year college degree. But they first need to know what it will take to prepare for them,” said Eric Hill, CEO of the Youth Workforce Development Foundation.

“This exciting partnership with AED will help turn on more young people to well-paying careers in an industry that needs new talent. We thank Rep. Budzinski and her team, and the dedicated educators at Lincoln Land Community College, for helping support this new pipeline for youth apprenticeships that will go a long way to building a stronger future for our state.”

For more on the Youth Workforce Development Foundation, visit: http://www.ywdf.org.