State of Illinois and Heartland Community College break ground on electric vehicle energy storage facility

NORMAL – The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity joined Heartland Community College Friday to break ground on its new state-of-the-art Electric Vehicle Energy Storage Manufacturing Training Academy facility. Funded in part by a $7.5 million capital grant, the training facility will prepare students to meet the growing needs of the expanding electric vehicle industry. Heartland’s program, which launched at a temporary site in 2021, provides students with training, certificates, and degrees in Electric Vehicle and Energy Storage Technology.
“Illinois’ greatest strength is its people—and we are committed to preparing our workforce for the jobs of the future,” said Governor JB Pritzker.
The groundbreaking marks the beginning of construction on the new 45,000 square foot facility, with expected completion in late 2023.