Frequently Asked Questions

The Manufacturing and Technology Center will offer programs in:

• Advanced Manufacturing
• Industrial Maintenance Technology
• HVAC/Green Energy Technology
• Welding and Fabrication
• Future programs will include robotics, renewable energy, pipe welding, industrial process control, and increased DOL-sponsored apprenticeship opportunities. 

Corporate sponsors should contact the ECC Foundation for donation information and potential naming rights. Use this form. You can also reach out to mtcinquiries@elgin.edu.

Opening in the fall of 2026, the Manufacturing and Technology Center will be a cutting-edge, 150,000-square-foot facility designed to prepare students for in-demand careers in advanced manufacturing and technology. Inside, the center will feature 55,000 square feet (about half the area of a Manhattan city block) of state-of-the-art lab space, more than tripling our current capacity. This investment is an essential step toward meeting the needs of today’s industries, with a focus on areas such as robotics, automation, welding, and renewable energy. Each program is specifically designed to align with local, state, and national workforce development priorities. 

We are proud to say that the Manufacturing and Technology Center is supported by a $57 million investment, including $30 million from the State of Illinois to address the middle-skills labor shortage and support manufacturing employee training in the Greater Chicagoland area. In addition, the energy management program will receive a $39,150 grant from the Illinois Green Economy Network (IGEN) to support solar racking and array construction. 

ECC is dramatically expanding its training footprint to meet the demands of modern manufacturing. The Advanced Manufacturing program will grow from 4,000+ to over 14,000 sq. ft., offering training in CNC automation, precision manufacturing, manual machining, grinding, and quality assurance. Illinois's only program provides multi-axis machining on 3-, 5-, 7-, and 9-axis equipment, ensuring students gain real-world, advanced technical skills.

The HVAC/Green Energy Technology program will expand from approximately 3,400 to over 10,000 sq. ft. Students will train in residential and commercial HVAC systems, refrigerants, EV infrastructure, solar and renewable energy, and emerging technologies like heat pumps and thermal energy, preparing them for the fast-evolving green energy sector.

Robotics and Automation Solutions will grow from around 3,300 to 11,000 sq. ft., focusing on industrial maintenance and automation, one of the highest-growth fields according to the U.S. Department of Labor. The Welding and Fabrication program will also double in size to over 19,000 sq. ft., increasing welding booths and introducing robotic welding and new fabrication technologies to support workforce needs in advanced manufacturing.

ECC is investing in advanced training facilities to prepare residents for high-demand manufacturing careers. This initiative will boost employment, strengthen the local economy, and close the middle-skills gap by offering hands-on training and career pathways. With strong earning potential in technical fields, the benefits are clear.

Through the Manufacturing Technology Center (MTC), ECC will serve as a regional economic engine, retaining and attracting businesses by supplying a skilled workforce. More than a training site, the MTC will be a hub of collaboration, connecting students, educators, and employers to address critical workforce needs and build a sustainable talent pipeline for the future.

Throughout 2025 and into 2026, significant aspects of construction will be conducted, including site development, building construction, and parking lot construction. We look forward to welcoming students to classes in the new building in Fall 2026.  

This new video will show the transformation of the space.

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.

An apprenticeship is a structured program that combines classroom instruction with on-the-job training. Apprentices are hired by an employer that agrees to sponsor their apprenticeship in their desired program of study. Apprentices will immediately work for their employer and start their on-the-job training with a highly skilled mentor. At the same time, apprentices will enroll in the required program courses at ECC. When classes begin, the apprentice will attend ECC courses on designated days. They will continue working for their employer sponsor, typically when not in school.

Interested in an apprenticeship? Contact Us

We are excited to partner with companies in the area to help ensure that the students we train have the skills needed to succeed, and that companies have access to a pipeline of highly skilled talent.

To address industry needs, ECC collaborates with local manufacturing companies, the Elgin Development Group, the Illinois Manufacturers Association, and local WIOA Boards. These partnerships aim to create equitable programs for underserved communities, including justice-impacted individuals, women, BIPOC, and other underrepresented groups in the manufacturing sector.

Elgin Community College offers FREE classes for students 16 to 18 through our Taking Back the Trades Summer Program. Classes include health care, manufacturing, culinary, and fire science. Limited spots are available in each class.

Students interested in the trade profession will gain practical, beneficial credentials and create connections with professionals in the field. Join us in shaping a future where skill and knowledge meet opportunity.

Contact us for details at tbtrades@elgin.edu.

Building O, which currently houses the SBCT spaces, will be renovated. The new Manufacturing and Technology Center will be 150,000 square feet, more than double the size of our current facility. This floor plan includes nearly 55,000 square feet of lab and instructional space.

The heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), and green energy technology space will triple from approximately 3,400 square feet to over 10,000 square feet. Programming will include residential and commercial HVAC and refrigerant, electric vehicle technology infrastructure, solar and renewable energy, heat pumps, and thermal energy. The new space will also accommodate educational and workforce training needs with Modern, well-equipped labs featuring state-of-the-art equipment, including heat pumps and rooftop units. You'll work on systems you'll encounter professionally during installation and repair tasks. 

Major sectors include Solar Energy, Wind Energy, Hydropower, Bioenergy, and Geothermal Energy. 

Career Development Services at ECC is dedicated to supporting students in every aspect of their career journey. Whether deciding on a major, exploring career options, setting professional goals, or searching for a job, a Career Development Specialist is here to guide you. Our comprehensive services are designed to help you explore, empower, and excel as you prepare for the future.

Reserve your spot to discuss taking a career assessment, guidance in choosing a major, career ideas, writing a new resume, going to an interview, and everything you need to start your future on the right path. Call 847-214-7390, or current students can schedule an appointment today.