Lincoln Land Community College (LLCC) has been awarded a $200,000 Trade Schools Grant to inspire young adults to pursue careers in the construction industry.
LLCC will partner with Sangamon Menard Regional Office of Education 51 to expand the Multi-craft Core Curriculum (MC3) high school program.
Starting this fall, high school students will spend two hours each weekday at LLCC, exploring construction apprenticeships and networking with commercial contractors, trade unions, and industry leaders. The program will offer hands-on labs, field trips to work sites, and the opportunity to work on a construction project throughout the school year. During the last quarter, students will engage in a three-day-a-week paid internship at a job site.
Participating students will receive free tools, work boots, and personal protective equipment. They will earn college credit from LLCC, certification from the National Center for Construction Education and Research, and training in OSHA 10 construction safety, CPR, forklift operation, and aerial lift skills.
"The Sangamon-Menard Regional Office of Education is excited to partner with Lincoln Land Community College and the construction trades unions in Central Illinois to expand the MC3 program", said Shannon Fehrholz, the Regional Superintendent of Schools. "This program offers a unique blend of academic rigor and practical training, enabling students to gain a competitive edge while still in high school. By partnering with local businesses and industry experts, the program provides our students with unparalleled opportunities to engage in meaningful internships, apprenticeships, and hands-on projects that align with their career aspirations."
Currently, 11 high schools are participating in the program, including Auburn, New Berlin, Pleasant Plains, and Williamsville.
Mike O'Shea, president of O'Shea Builders, praised the program's comprehensive approach, stating, "The inclusion of a full-year curriculum on trade apprenticeships and construction management, followed by an eight-week paid internship, showcases the program's approach to preparing students for successful careers in the field."