MOLINE, Ill — It was a different kind of signing day at Western Illinois University.
University presidents from Western Illinois University, Iowa State University and the University of Illinois announced a collaborative manufacturing program on Friday, Aug. 23 at WIU's Riverfront campus.
"[This is] a giant leap forward in innovation for our region," Peter Tokar III, CEO of the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce said.
The universities are working with local manufacturing companies, developing a curriculum to help students land their next jobs.
"The universities being [involved is] really strategic because it also says, 'What kind of employees do you need to do this advance manufacturing, and how can the university systems provide training, provide education for the workforce of the future on these new technologies so we maintain a skilled workforce in the area?'" Tokar said.
By collaborating with one another, the universities can share different solutions to existing problems.
"Each faculty member may come at a particular innovation or development differently," Kristi Mindrup, Interim President of Western Illinois University said. "The opportunity to engage in a creative process, collaborate on research, and engage in design thinking for how to how to move and advance."
Leaders dreamt of improving manufacturing in the Quad Cities for years and want to hit the ground running under the new partnership.
"Time is of the essence, so let's take advantage of this energy that we have and move forward and see some wins with this collaboration," Col. Dave Guida, Commander of the Rock Island Arsenal Joint Manufacturing Technology Center said.