Illinois Gov. Pritzker Directs $15 Million to Manufacturing Training Academies Gov. Pritzker at a past press conference. (Charles Rex Arbogast/Associated Press) In an effort to develop the manufacturing workforce, Illinois Gov. Jay “J.B.” Pritzker announced a $15 million investment to build two advanced manufacturing training academies. The academies, located in downstate Illinois, will offer hundreds of residents the opportunity to develop skills for careers in advanced manufacturing. Pritzker, who was joined by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity in making the announcement, said the academies will begin enrolling students later this year. I’m proud to announce the winning projects of a $15 million #RebuildIllinois investment to establish two new downstate manufacturing training academies: @SWICedu in the Metro East and @Heartland_CC and @Rivian here in Normal. pic.twitter.com/EFq8EzA4UE