October is Manufacturing Month, and the College of Lake County (CLC) is celebrating the talent and technologies that contribute to Lake County’s economic strength.
Manufacturing is more than an important part of our local economy — it is a significant source of career opportunities. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported approximately 50,600 manufacturing jobs in Lake County in August 2026, up 1.4% from a year earlier.
As the industry evolves through automation, robotics, advanced technologies and other innovations, the demand for a skilled workforce continues to grow. CLC helps meet that need by connecting students directly to the employers, experiences and environments that are shaping modern manufacturing.
The Metallica Scholars Initiative helps CLC expand these opportunities, with the college receiving the grant for the eighth straight year and accumulating $290,000 in support for advanced manufacturing programs since the initiative began in 2019.
Learning That Leads To Opportunity
With CLC’s various state-of-the-art manufacturing labs, including those at the Advanced Technology Center (ATC) in Gurnee, students develop practical skills in an environment designed to reflect today’s manufacturing workplaces.
Students can prepare for careers in industrial technology, automation, robotics, mechatronics, welding and other advanced manufacturing fields. In addition to degrees, CLC offers industry-recognized certifications, internships and apprenticeships that allow students to apply what they learn while gaining valuable workplace experience.
For students, those connections can turn an interest in technology or problem-solving into a clear career path.
“I just started my apprenticeship with a manufacturing company as a maintenance technician,” said Industrial Maintenance student Viviana Gonzalez. “So far, I really enjoy it. I work on something new almost every day. I am thrilled with all the new things I get to learn.”
That connection works both ways. Through its Manufacturing Alliance, Career Advisory Committees and Career and Job Placement Center, CLC brings employers, educators and workforce partners together to better align education with the skills local companies need. In fiscal year 2026, 36 CLC manufacturing apprentices completed courses while working with 13 employer partners. Eight of those apprentices finished their program and graduated.
“Apprenticeships create a true win-win,” said CLC Apprenticeship Manager Dan Ortego. “Students earn a paycheck and benefits while gaining a credential, real-world experience and a pathway to grow within a company. Meanwhile, employers develop skilled talent, strengthen retention and invest in a workforce prepared to support the company’s long-term success.”
Growing the Talent Pipeline Earlier
Developing the manufacturing workforce starts before students arrive at college. That is why CLC is also working with local schools to introduce middle and high school students to modern manufacturing so they can understand the range of careers available in the industry.
In July, CLC hosted a SparkForce manufacturing camp at the ATC where students entering grades 6-8 could learn, design, create and build using cutting-edge equipment in innovative facilities.
This fall, CLC is planning a hands-on experience at the ATC for Warren Township High School students. The event will provide upperclassmen with exposure to manufacturing technology and potential career paths, helping them make informed course selections for the next school year.
“At Warren, we are committed to empowering students to explore diverse post-secondary options and career pathways,” said Warren Township High School Assistant Superintendent of Instructional Services Dr. Christopher Geocaris. “Our partnership with CLC offers an incredible opportunity for our students to discover high-demand careers in manufacturing and explore CLC’s outstanding academic programs. By connecting real-world career paths to their high school journey, this event enables students to thoughtfully select Warren courses that align with their goals.”
Partnerships like this help create a stronger, more connected talent pipeline where students discover opportunities earlier, educators gain a better understanding of industry needs and employers benefit from a future workforce that has had opportunities to explore manufacturing before entering the job market.
Celebrating Manufacturing Month
Throughout October, CLC will continue bringing students, educators, employers and community members together to explore the future of manufacturing. The college’s Manufacturing Month celebration will include events open to the community, as well as activities designed specifically to introduce high school students to manufacturing careers and educational pathways.
These experiences are part of a larger effort to make manufacturing more visible, accessible and connected to the communities CLC serves — and to ensure Lake County has the skilled workforce it needs for the future. Click here to explore the many opportunities offered in Lake County during this Manufacturing Month.