In June 2022, Rend Lake College was awarded a $5 million grant from the US. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration through funding provided by the American Rescue Plan.
SIMA stands at the Rend Lake College MarketPlace on Potomac Boulevard in Mount Vernon, just off of Interstates 57 and 64.
The academy includes advanced training stations for welding, machining, pneumatics, electronics, wiring, power and controls, a robotics lab, a computer lab and classrooms for lectures and presentations.
Terry Wilkerson, president of Rend Lake College, used a hockey analogy during his remarks, to not skate where the pick is, but where it’s going to be.
“I hope industry and the community realize our role and how serious we take it as a college to be on the forefront of where we think we need to be, and where we can help take our region,” Wilkerson said.
One of the highlights of the academy is Confection Connection, a chocolate production facility born out of a grant stipulation requiring the production of a tangible product. It is a collaboration with the college’s Culinary Arts program meant to display the entire production process that blends culinary arts with manufacturing.
Lori Ragland, executive vice president of Rend Lake College, called the facility a “significant milestone” for the region.
“This training academy is more than just classrooms and equipment,” Ragland said. “It’s about opportunity. Opportunity for our students to gain skills for sustainable jobs, for our local businesses to find talent, and for our economy and community to thrive.”
Wilkerson said the concept was originally pitched to the state government before becoming a federal project.
“The state liked the proposal so much that they modeled it and they awarded two in the state, but they didn’t put it here, so we decided to explore more options,” Wilkerson said. “I can’t tell you the status of the other two that were put forward, but I can tell you this: we’ve come in on time and under budget.”
Christopher Sink, director of the Southern Illinois Manufacturing Academy, explained how the facility will look to keep up with the needs of an ever-changing industry for the benefit of the students it will train.
“We’re always pursuing new avenues to bring new technologies and equipment in here to meet the demands of our business partners and to make sure that we provide a good education and good skill set for our graduating students so that they’re successful now,” Sink said.
State Rep. Dave Severin (R-Benton) was on hand during the showcasing of the academy and described the facility as “phenomenal.”
He said the facility will provide a beacon for people to stay in Southern Illinois after high school or come to Illinois instead of needing to seek opportunities elsewhere.
“This is giving a reason for young people to stay in Southern Illinois for the opportunities that are here,” Severin said. “If you’re a student and you’re interested in getting into the trades, you don’t have to drive to another state or go somewhere else. You can stay in Southern Illinois.”
Severin commended the effort by Rend Lake College to make such an investment in expanding its reach and staying competitive to build up the region.
“It’s one thing to talk about something,” Severin said. “It’s another thing to produce. This is producing. This keeps us relevant.”
For more information about the Southern Illinois Manufacturing Academy, contact SIMA director Christopher Sink at 618-437-5321, ext. 1798, or visit rlc.edu/southern-illinois-manufacturing-academy.
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