SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Manufacturers’ Association (IMA) has released the following statement after the General Assembly approved SB3070, an initiative led by the IMA that will allow high school students to take Career & Technical Education courses in lieu of foreign language classes currently required for graduation:
“Across Illinois, high schools have been scaling back hands-on learning opportunities because of a requirement that students take two years of foreign language courses to graduate. Easing this requirement will help expand access to technical career pathways, connecting more students to high-demand careers in manufacturing and the skilled trades,” said Sarah Hartwick, Senior Vice President and Corporate Board Secretary for the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association. “Access to technical courses and real-world learning opportunities is critical to the development of a skilled workforce of the future that will strengthen our state’s economy for generations to come. We are proud to have led this effort in partnership with our legislative champions and look forward to preparing more students for high-paying and rewarding jobs in the manufacturing industry.”
About the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association (IMA)
The Illinois Manufacturers’ Association is the only statewide association dedicated exclusively to advocating, promoting and strengthening the manufacturing sector in Illinois. The IMA is the oldest and largest state manufacturing trade association in the United States, representing nearly 4,000 companies and facilities. For more information, please visit http://ima-net.org/.