July 29, 2026 -Caterpillar Inc. is investing up to $10 million in Illinois to help prepare workers for the next generation of manufacturing and industry technician careers.
The investment is part of the company’s five-year, $100 million Building the Future Workforce Initiative, which aims to reduce barriers to training, define the skills employers need and connect more people with careers in modern manufacturing.
“Caterpillar’s roots run deep in Illinois, and so does our commitment to building a strong and skilled workforce,” said Christy Pambianchi, Caterpillar’s chief human resources officer. “This investment builds on that legacy, helping ensure people have a clear path to manufacturing careers today while equipping the next generation of Illinoisans with the skills they need to succeed.”
The initiative was announced Wednesday at Caterpillar’s Edwards Demonstration & Learning Center and will support workforce development efforts in communities where the company has a manufacturing presence, including Decatur, East Peoria, Mapleton, Morton and Pontiac.
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker said the investment will help strengthen the state’s manufacturing workforce while creating more opportunities for residents to access high-quality careers.
“Caterpillar’s commitment to strengthening our workforce will help more Illinoisans get the skills they need to successfully enter the workforce and ensure our manufacturers have the talent they need to grow and compete,” Pritzker said.
The funding will support stronger partnerships between employers and training institutions, improve access to affordable workforce education, expand outreach to students, parents and educators, and explore innovative training and financing models tailored to local communities.
Organizations collaborating on the initiative include the Economic Development Corporation of Decatur & Macon County, Greater Peoria Leadership Council, Livingston Area Career Center and Heartland Community College, among others.
Illinois is the fourth funding allocation under Caterpillar’s Building the Future Workforce Initiative.
