Manufacturers celebrate new law expanding career and technical education access
Published 3:14 pm Monday, August 10, 2026
SPRINGFIELD — Gov. JB Pritzker signed legislation Friday that will let Illinois high school students satisfy part of their graduation requirements with career and technical education courses instead of foreign language classes, a change the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association championed as a way to expand career pathways into manufacturing and the skilled trades.
Senate Bill 3070, sponsored by Sen. Willie Preston and Rep. Will Davis, gives students entering ninth grade starting with the 2028-29 school year the option of completing two years of state-approved career and technical education coursework in place of the two years of foreign language currently required to graduate. Students will still be able to choose to take foreign language courses if they prefer; the law adds an alternative rather than eliminating the existing requirement outright.
“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,” Sarah Hartwick, senior vice president and corporate board secretary for the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association, said in a statement. “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 bill passed the General Assembly with broad bipartisan support in June. Supporters, including business and workforce development groups, have said the change broadens options for students focused on technical careers and helps address a shortage of skilled workers in fields such as welding, auto repair, and other trades. Some educators and lawmakers raised concerns during debate over the measure about the potential for reduced student exposure to foreign language instruction, even as they said they support career and technical education generally.
The Illinois Manufacturers’ Association describes itself as the only statewide association dedicated exclusively to advocating for and strengthening the state’s manufacturing sector. It says it is the oldest and largest state manufacturing trade association in the country, representing nearly 4,000 companies and facilities.
