By Heart of Illinois ABC
NORMAL – Heartland Community College is adding a pair of courses to train students for the skills they’ll need to work at the Rivian Automotive plant in Normal.
Also at Tuesday night’s virtual meeting, the Heartland Community College Board indicated building space for agricultural programs should be a top priority in its master plan.
Following trustees’ action, students can earn a “microcertificate” in the operation of robotic machinery and equipment, and receive a similar designation in high voltage battery technology.
Heartland administrators said they’ve paid close attention to Rivian’s needs for a skilled workforce. The company plans to hire up to 1,000 workers at its Twin-Cities manufacturing plant, which will make electric pick-up trucks and sport utility vehicles.
Heartland plans to offer the hands-on courses next fall.
Meantime, trustees reviewed the school’s master plan, and indicated they’re interested in developing plans to build an agriculture complex at the school.
Trustees and administrators see agriculture as important to the college’s growth. They’ll discuss costs and other details later this year.
An architectural firm is being paid $242,523 to prepare the master plan.
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