Manufacturing and Technology Center

Elgin Community College (ECC) is developing a new, 150,000-square-foot Manufacturing and Technology Center (MTC) designed to advance workforce development and meet the needs of local employers. This cutting-edge facility will expand ECC’s academic programs in manufacturing, engineering, and technology while addressing the region’s growing demand for skilled workers.

Funded by $28.5 million in state investment, the MTC will help close the middle-skills labor gap by providing hands-on education, industry-recognized training, and real-world learning opportunities for students pursuing careers in advanced manufacturing and related fields.

More than just a learning space, the MTC will serve as a regional collaboration hub, connecting students, educators, and industry partners to strengthen the local workforce pipeline. Through this partnership-driven approach, ECC continues its mission to prepare students for high-demand, high-paying careers while fueling economic growth in the greater Elgin area.

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In-demand Careers and Programs

Advancements in automation and robotics are accelerating the need for a skilled technical workforce prepared to meet the demands of Industry 4.0. As manufacturing continues to evolve, employers are seeking innovative ways to educate, train, upskill, and reskill workers to remain competitive in an increasingly technology-driven environment.

At the Manufacturing and Technology Center (MTC), students will be prepared for high-demand careers such as:

• Welders and fabricators
• Machinists, CNC operators, and programmers
• Maintenance technicians
• Clean energy and sustainability-focused roles

The programs housed in the facility are designed to align with these workforce needs:

• Advanced Manufacturing
• Automation, Robotics, and Maintenance Technology
• Energy Management
• Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration (HVAC-R)
• Welding

These programs emphasize hands-on, industry-aligned training to equip students with the technical skills needed to succeed in modern manufacturing environments.

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.