Press Conference on Effingham Regional Career Academy Set for Tuesday

A press conference is set for Tuesday to announce plans for development of the Effingham Regional Career Academy, to be located on the Lake Land College Kluthe Center campus in Effingham.

Speakers will include Lake Land College President Josh Bullock, Versatech, LLC President Joe Forbes who is 2015 Effingham County Chamber of Commerce Board Chairman, and Altamont Unit 10 School Superintendent Jeff Fritchtnitch and Effingham Unit 40 School Superintendent Mark Doan.

Supporters of the initiative are working to create a regional career academy to teach skills and knowledge needed in the current and future job market. The mission is to attract, retain and grow area businesses by providing sustainable career pathways for high school students and incumbent adult workers. The vision includes work study, job shadowing and apprenticeships. Curriculum will be offered in a typical semester fashion, but will also extend to workshops, seminars, boot camp and certification-based initiatives.

Lake Land College's Kluthe Campus has a planned expansion awaiting state budget approval.