Manufacturing and Technology Center
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Manufacturing and Technology Center at Elgin Community College
Elgin Community College is constructing a new, cutting-edge Manufacturing and Technology Center (MTC) spanning 150,000 square feet. This facility addresses growing enrollment and expands academic offerings to meet local employers' needs. The MTC will offer vital education and training for manufacturing employers in the Elgin area. It has secured $28.5 million in state funding to address the middle-skills labor gap.
It will be a collaboration hub—bringing together students, educators, and local employers to address our region’s workforce needs.
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In-demand Careers and Programs
Emerging technologies such as automation, digitization, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence highlight the growing demand for skilled workers. These technologies create critical roles that require a highly trained workforce. As a result, manufacturers are exploring innovative approaches to educate, train, upskill, and reskill workers to maintain competitiveness.
In-demand careers at the MTC will include:
- Welders and Fabricators
- Machinists, Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Operators and Programmers
- Maintenance Technicians
- Clean Energy Workers
The programs planned to occupy the building include:
- IST Maintenance Technology
- Industrial Manufacturing Technology
- Heating, Vent, A/C, & Refrigeration / Energy Management
- Welding
The new facility will offer programs in maintenance technology, industrial manufacturing, HVAC-R, energy management, and welding. It reflects a commitment to preparing students for high-demand careers in manufacturing and technology. The facility will also offer new and enhanced programs in robotics, renewable energy, pipe welding, industrial process control, and more. The MTC will expand Department of Labor (DOL) apprenticeship opportunities, giving employers access to a larger talent pool. It will also create pathways to advanced manufacturing careers for K-12 students.
FAQ
A list of Frequently Asked Questions regarding the new Manufacturing and Technology Center (MTC).
What is the purpose of the new Manufacturing and Technology Center at Elgin Community College?
The ECC Manufacturing and Technology Center (MTC) addresses the demand for middle-skill education and supports Chicagoland manufacturing growth. It will offer hands-on learning in specialized facilities to prepare students for high-demand roles in manufacturing. Programs will include HVAC-R, energy management, industrial maintenance, mechatronics, CNC machining, pipe welding, and quality technician training. Future educational program offerings will include robotics, renewable energy, and industrial process control.
Where will the new Manufacturing and Technology Center be located?
The MTC will be located at 1600 Spartan Drive, near the main entrance of ECC, in Elgin. Colonial Café and The Hangout previously occupied the site.
How large is the new MTC, and what does it offer?
The new Manufacturing and Technology Center will be 150,000 square feet, nearly double the current space at ECC. The building will feature 55,000 square feet of advanced lab space — more than tripling our current capacity, including 13 and 20 instructional labs. This expansion significantly increases the current 17,000 square feet of lab space in Building O.
Supported by a $57 million investment, including $30 million from the State of Illinois, the Manufacturing and Technology Center is a testament to the power of partnership—between educators, employers, legislators, and community leaders.
What programs will be offered at the Manufacturing and Technology Center?
The MTC will offer programs in:
- Maintenance Technology
- Industrial Manufacturing Technology
- Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration (HVAC-R) / Energy Management
- Welding
- Future programs will include robotics, renewable energy, pipe welding, industrial process control, and increased DOL-sponsored apprenticeship opportunities.
What types of careers will the new center prepare students for?
The center will prepare students for various high-demand careers, including:
- Welders and Fabricators
- Machinists, CNC Operators, and Programmers
- Maintenance Technicians
- Clean Energy Workers
What are some key features of the new facility?
The new Manufacturing Training Center (MTC) will boast cutting-edge features, including enhanced ventilation systems, integrated robotics, and contemporary learning spaces. Designed to offer an immersive, hands-on educational experience that aligns with the evolving demands of the manufacturing industry, the facility will expand its instructional lab space from 17,000 square feet to an impressive 59,000 square feet.
How will the facility contribute to the local economy?
By investing in advanced training facilities, ECC aims to equip residents with the skills necessary for high-demand manufacturing jobs. This investment will enhance employment rates, strengthen the local economy, and help bridge the middle-skills labor gap by providing practical training and career opportunities. The potential for substantial earnings in technical fields underscores the benefits of this initiative. Moreover, ECC strives to become an economic driver by providing a skilled workforce to retain existing businesses and attract new businesses to the local economy.
When will construction of the Manufacturing and Technology Center begin?
Throughout 2025 and into 2026, significant aspects of construction will be conducted, including site development, building construction, and parking lot construction.
How does ECC support students beyond traditional education?
ECC offers additional training opportunities beyond a high school diploma, focusing on middle-skill education through associate degrees, certificates, on-the-job training partnerships, and apprenticeships. This approach emphasizes hands-on learning and helps students launch their careers confidently.
How is ECC partnering with local organizations for this project?
ECC collaborates with local manufacturing companies, the Elgin Development Group, the Illinois Manufacturers Association, and local WIOA Boards to address industry needs. These partnerships aim to create equitable programs for underserved communities, including justice-impacted individuals, women, BIPOC, and other underrepresented groups in the manufacturing sector.
What recognition has Elgin Community College received?
Elgin Community College is recognized as one of the top community colleges in the nation and is committed to academic excellence. The College is enhancing its manufacturing technology and STEM curriculum while improving state-of-the-art classrooms and career and technical programs, such as the ECC Manufacturing and Technology Center.
What will happen to the current building housing manufacturing programs?
Building O, which currently houses the SBCT spaces, will be renovated. The new Manufacturing and Technology Center will provide updated and expanded facilities for welding and other manufacturing programs.
Who should corporate sponsors reach out to for donations or naming rights opportunities?
Corporate sponsors should contact the ECC Foundation for donation information and potential naming rights. Use this form.
MTC Gallery
The College is dedicated to academic excellence, improving its manufacturing technology and STEM curriculum, and enhancing state-of-the-art classrooms and career and technical programs like the ECC Manufacturing and Technology Center. Although construction has not yet started, here is a sneak peek of the planned design for outside and inside spaces.
Powerful Partnerships
ECC has forged partnerships with local manufacturing firms, the Elgin Development Group, the Illinois Manufacturer’s Association, the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center, the Valley Industrial Association, and local WIOA Boards to stay connected and informed about industry needs. Through these collaborations, the college is committed to developing inclusive programming that prioritizes equity for underserved communities in Elgin, including justice-impacted individuals, women, BIPOC individuals, and other marginalized groups who are traditionally underrepresented in the manufacturing sector.
Contact
Career and Technical Education Programs
Building O, Room O125
847-214-7900
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