Aspirations in Manufacturing (AIM)
Learn New Skills - Earn a Career!
What Is AIM?
Aspirations in Manufacturing (AIM) offers affordable, dual-enrollment courses to help students earn credentials for specific skills and learning outcomes, making them more competitive job applicants. Industry partners guide students in exploring career opportunities in manufacturing.
AIM is open to all high school juniors and seniors within the Kaskaskia College district.
Students will take courses in manufacturing programs through dual enrollment and participate in industry tours to learn about manufacturing career opportunities available within the Kaskaskia College district. At the same time, a mentor from the manufacturing industry will provide guidance and leadership during their time in the program. The students will complete a group project in the spring using the skills they have acquired throughout the year.
To be considered for the AIM program, students will be required to submit an application along with a letter of reference from a high school counselor, instructor, or administrator by mid-April of each year. Students must be on track to complete the requirements for graduation from their high school and must maintain a 2.5 GPA.
Why AIM?
Partnering with high schools
Vocational programs in high schools within KC's district are limited due to the program's cost, including equipment & instruction. Of the 17 high schools in the KC district, only six are offering dual-credit coursework related to manufacturing, with minimal offerings available. Smaller rural high schools are at a disadvantage.
Did you know?
- Manufacturing in Illinois produces $580 Billion in economic output, the largest industry when ranked by contribution to GDP
- Employment is more than 600,000 in the manufacturing industry; 9.5% of total employment
- Indirectly supports over 1.6 million jobs
- Average annual wage is $79,409
- Manufacturing occupations are expected to see the largest job growth compared to all other occupations
- 37% of in-demand manufacturing jobs require some post-secondary education
