The Illinois Manufacturers’ Association (IMA) is celebrating the signing of a new law that will expand access to Career and Technical Education (CTE) opportunities for Illinois high school students and help strengthen the state’s future workforce.
On August 10, Governor JB Pritzker signed Senate Bill 3070 into law, allowing Illinois high school students, beginning in 2028, to substitute CTE coursework for the state’s two-year foreign language requirement.
Championed by the IMA and Technology & Manufacturing Association (TMA), the bipartisan legislation represents a significant step toward giving students greater flexibility to pursue career pathways aligned with their interests and the needs of Illinois employers.
For the past four years, the IMA and its Education Foundation have advocated for this legislation, working alongside manufacturers, educators and lawmakers to build broad support for expanding access to technical education.
Under the new law, students will be able to take CTE courses in place of the foreign language coursework currently required under state law, providing more opportunities to gain hands-on experience and develop skills that can lead directly to high-demand careers in manufacturing and the skilled trades.
“We commend Governor Pritzker for signing this important measure, which expands student access to technical education, opening more career pathways to high-demand jobs in manufacturing and the skilled trades,” said Senior Vice President and Corporate Board Secretary for the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association. “Providing hands-on learning opportunities is critical to the development of a skilled manufacturing workforce that will strengthen our state’s economy for generations to come.”
The legislation marks an important milestone in the IMA’s ongoing efforts to connect Illinois students with rewarding career opportunities while helping manufacturers build the skilled workforce they need to compete and grow.
By expanding access to CTE, Illinois is giving more students the opportunity to learn by doing, explore in-demand careers and prepare for success beyond the classroom.
