Workforce needs are changing faster than anyone can anticipate. As industries evolve in response to technological advancements and global competition, the demand for talent in emerging skillsets has grown more urgent. Recognizing this, universities across Illinois are proactively collaborating with industry partners to bridge the gap between education and employment. These partnerships, whether through advisory boards, internships or research programs, play a crucial role in ensuring that students are graduating with knowledge necessary to fill the most in-demand and complex roles in today’s workforce.

“They recognize the quality of students that we produce. These are intense programs and students that make it through both our automotive and aviation programs, they’re leaving with a state-of-the-art education, in part because of that reciprocal investment.”
— Dr. Robert Morgan, Dean for the College of Health and Human Sciences, Southern Illinois University of Carbondale

Steering in the Right Direction
Southern Illinois University Carbondale is no stranger to the automotive and aviation industries. Long before colleges across the country began implementing new programs in response to the rise of electric vehicles and green technologies, SIU established what has become nationally recognized degree programs in both subjects.  

“When you think of automotive education, SIU is at the top, and in terms of aviation one of the top two or three that our industry partners look to hire,” said Dr. Robert Morgan, dean for the College of Health and Human Sciences. “They recognize the quality of students that we produce. These are intense programs and students that make it through both our automotive and aviation programs, they’re leaving with a state-of-the-art education, in part because of that reciprocal investment.”

Members of the SIU Carbondale School of Aviation prepare for the 2024 Air Race Classic competition.
Photo courtesy of Southern Illinois University

Ford, GM, Delta, United and American Airlines are among the programs’ most notable partners. Many alumni who have gone on to work for these corporations have later returned to lend their expertise to the college’s advisory board, helping shape a curriculum that is consistent with industry trends and emerging standards as well as connect students with internships and employment opportunities. According to Dr. Morgan, around 90% of students from the automotive program graduate with a job in hand.

“They invest in us and they communicate to us what we need to know to educate the students. So, when a student leaves here with that SIU brand, companies know the quality of employees they’re going to get, both from a professionalism standpoint but also from a technical skills standpoint,” said Dr. Morgan. “From day one, the faculty are working actively to not only provide the highest quality of training, consistent with the best practices, but they’re preparing them to enter the workforce. They’re preparing them with the soft skills, the professional development opportunities, with the networking that’s needed to give a competitive advantage to our students. Our students are highly trained, they enter the workforce ready to go. And our corporate partners know, and quite frankly, expect that.”

Career-Building Closer to Campus
Considered one of the best public universities in the country and a top research institution, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s reputation attracts a wide array of industry partners. As SIU has experienced, these partnerships not only enhance the university’s programs, but can provide the opportunity for students to gain on-the-job experiences and skills training.

To expand opportunities for these mutually beneficial collaborations, UIUC established the Research Park at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Located on campus, the Research Park serves as a technology hub where startup companies and corporate research and development operations can work with faculty and students on collaborative research, access university labs, equipment and services and take advantage of the industry networks the location provides.

ADM, Abbott Laboratories, AbbVie, Cargill, Capital One, Caterpillar, Deere & Company, Motorola Solutions, P&G, Rivian, State Farm and Yahoo are among the more than 120 businesses with operations there, annually hiring over 800 interns. The internship opportunities these companies create are available for multiple degree disciplines, including engineering, graphic design, marketing and chemistry, among others.

On October 10, 2023, Kohler Co. celebrated the opening of the new Kohler Innovation Center at the University of Illinois Research Park.
Photo courtesy of University of Illinois Research Park

Kohler Co., an industry leader in the manufacturing of plumbing products, plans to utilize the university’s student intern program to develop a pipeline of engineering and data analytics talent. This is one of the primary focus areas of the company’s new Kohler Innovation Center, which opened last October at the Research Park. In addition to eventually hiring up to 25 students, Kohler aims to leverage the university’s resources to develop supply chain optimization strategies and investigate and adapt technology for “the factory of the future.”

“The Kohler Innovation Center at UIRP provides our students the opportunity to work on solutions for the Midwest and beyond,” said Susan Martinis, vice chancellor for Research and Innovation at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. “Such real-world experiences are examples of the transformative educational opportunities at Illinois that grow from our leadership in engineering, data science and industrial design.”

To further enhance its support for innovation and student success, the Research Park also houses a state-of-the-art startup incubator. EnterpriseWorks provides budding companies access to resources and guidance through every stage of the development and commercialization process. Due to UIUC’s preeminence within the technology sector, a diverse portfolio of companies, ranging from agtech and biotechnology to software development and material sciences, have been able to grow their footprint. Since opening in 2003, EnterpriseWorks has launched more than 250 startups and the careers of many more aspiring entrepreneurs.

By nurturing early-stage ventures, the incubator is able to drive technological advancements while bolstering innovations created by faculty, students and the local community. Through this ecosystem, the Research Park not only supports established companies but also empowers students and new businesses.