The workforce is reportedly getting better. And the technology department at Kankakee Community College is playing a role.

The manufacturing technology program at KCC is producing graduates in four separate specializations needed at area companies. The program is in place through a $525,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Labor, which helped the community college refine its efforts with industry.

"Industry helped design it," said Dennis Sorensen, KCC's vice president for instructional and student success. "It provides multiple opportunities for students to qualify for the workforce."

The Daily-Journal reports the federal government announced a second round of grants totaling $450 million, some of which KCC is hopeful to receive. Sorensen said a consortium of Illinois community colleges will be applying for the grants together. But this time, the health careers program will be added to the request along with manufacturing technology.

Sorensen adds, the grant money helps the community college redesign the way it offers courses and helps update and purchase equipment needed to support the programs.

KCC now offers four, two-year courses of manufacturing specializations.

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