Rock Valley College to lead TechWorks training program under new agreement

ROCKFORD, Dec. 16 — An agreement between Rock Valley College (RVC) and Rockford Area Strategic Initiatives (RASI) will more strategically align programs vital to the community’s manufacturing training and economic development initiatives.

TechWorks — a workforce training program housed at EIGERlab, a RASI entity — will move under RVC management as RVC and RASI work together closely over the next year.

TechWorks is a fast-track manufacturing training program that teaches the skills and credentials needed to qualify for CNC machine operator and assembly jobs in high demand in the Rockford Region. Twelve classes have graduated 87 students this year.

The Business and Professional Institute of RVC will oversee the program. For RVC, this is an opportunity to put the college’s expertise behind an already successful TechWorks program, with the expectation of expanding and enhancing its reputation.

“The training that TechWorks has provided for our community during the past several years has been very valuable, with many local employers benefitting from their programs,” RVC President Mike Mastroianni said. “Rock Valley College will work to strengthen these programs and further meet the region’s needs for additional fast-track training generating highly skilled employees.”

RASI, a nonprofit organization, was established in 2008 by the Rockford Area Economic Development Council to manage vital initiatives for the region, such as targeted workforce education.

“This program’s hands-on training over six to eight weeks in a small-group setting has an impressive track record of matching employers and students,” RAEDC President Mike Nicholas said. “This agreement will take TechWorks to the next level, which advances RAEDC’S mission of helping employers retain and create quality jobs in this critical field.”

Leaders from RVC and RASI approved the agreement Dec. 16.

The agreement also calls for RASI to begin overseeing the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) programs currently operated by RVC at EIGERlab.

ABOUT ROCK VALLEY COLLEGE
Rock Valley College is a comprehensive two-year community college in Rockford, offering more than 100 courses for transfer, career programs and certificates. Founded in 1964, the college is part of the 48-institution Illinois Community College System.

ABOUT THE RAEDC
The primary role of the Rockford Area Economic Development Council (RAEDC) is to collaboratively enhance wealth creation in the Rockford Region by helping employers retain and create quality jobs. The RAEDC works closely with many partners to learn what existing and new employers need to grow, and to serve as a one-stop resource for clients. The RAEDC seeks to improve the competitiveness of the region by taking what it learns from the region’s employers, and engaging the community in the daily work of economic development.