The Illinois Manufacturers’ Association (IMA) and Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC) voiced their support for the University of Illinois Springfield’s new Bachelor of Applied Science in Engineering Technology during an Oct. 5 visit to campus as part of the fifth annual “Makers on the Move” statewide bus tour.

The new degree, which will launch in fall 2027, was created in response to growing regional and national demand for professionals who combine engineering knowledge with hands-on experience and skills needed in modern manufacturing, automation and emerging technology industries.

“It was great to visit with students, staff and faculty of UIS this morning for a robust discussion about the importance of industry and educators working together to develop a new generation of manufacturing leaders,” said Mark Denzler, president and CEO of the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association. “As technology evolves, it is imperative we provide a variety of pathways for students to obtain needed skills. These opportunities are what Makers on the Move is all about – inspiring students to think about manufacturing in new and exciting ways.”

“UIS’ new Bachelor of Applied Science in Engineering Technology was built with workforce needs in mind,” said UIS Chancellor Janet Gooch. “Employers need graduates who understand engineering principles and know how to apply them in real-world settings. This program will give students the hands-on skills to step into high-demand careers in manufacturing, automation and emerging technologies while helping Illinois employers build the skilled workforce they need to grow.”

Applications for the program are expected to open Nov. 1. Anyone interested in learning more about the program is encouraged to email engineering@uis.edu.

The Bachelor of Applied Science in Engineering Technology will pair engineering principles with practical, hands-on learning to prepare graduates for careers in areas such as advanced manufacturing and automation. The program is designed to be accessible to working adults and will include opportunities for internships and work-based learning.

Nationally, there are 580,000 open jobs in manufacturing, including tens of thousands in Illinois. IMA and IMEC are working with employers, educators and lawmakers to attract and retain a skilled workforce and expand pathways into manufacturing careers.

IMA and IMEC visited UIS as part of the Oct. 2-9 “Makers on the Move” tour celebrating Manufacturing Month. The 45-foot bus is making more than 30 stops at manufacturing facilities, colleges and community centers across Illinois to highlight career opportunities and provide an up-close look at modern manufacturing.

Following the Makers on the Move press conference, UIS hosted an Engineering Summit that brought together university and manufacturing leaders to discuss changing workforce needs, the skills employers are seeking and how higher education and industry can work together to prepare Illinois’ manufacturing workforce. The summit included a fireside chat moderated by Gooch that also highlighted how UIS’ new Engineering Technology degree will help address those needs.