Hundreds of students from area high schools will head to Chicago’s northwest suburbs to learn the skills needed for a career in heavy machinery operation and repair and figure out how those careers might be the right fit for their future.

SkillsUSA Illinois, through the Youth Workforce Development Foundation, and the AED Foundation will host the first Industry Pathways Career Experience on Tuesday, Oct. 8, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Johnsburg High School, in McHenry County (2002 W. Ringwood Road, Johnsburg, IL 60051).

More than 500 students from 20 high schools and career centers across Chicagoland will participate in the training session focused on the diesel technician and equipment operator industry, as part of nearly $8 million in federal funding secured by SkillsUSA and AED earlier this summer to encourage more youth involvement through the Apprenticeships Build America program. The funding is aimed at helping fill a national workforce shortage in the heavy machinery industry.

The all-day program is part of SkillsUSA Illinois’ mission to bring together employers and trade unions to connect with students from across the state to address the growing skills gap, by showing youth the successful careers available without needing a four-year college degree. Other career pathways events hosted by SkillsUSA Illinois in Peoria have introduced many students to careers in construction.

Students attend the event for free, engage with employers through hands-on experiences to operate equipment and go through mock job interviews and make connections with companies looking to grow their workforce. Prizes and giveaways are also provided for participants.

Learn more about SkillsUSA Illinois and its innovative work to connect students with meaningful careers:

https://www.skillsusaillinois.org/

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