JULY 9 IN DECATUR: Budzinski to Convene Third Workforce Summit, Highlighting Careers in Agriculture

The event at Richland Community College will bring together educators, employers and community leaders to discuss career and technical education pathways in agriculture.

Josie Lionetti - Office of Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski

Jul 5, 2026 8:15 AM

Listen to the story

SPRINGFIELD — On Thursday, July 9, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) will host her third Workforce Development Summit at Richland Community College, bringing together educators, employers, and community leaders to discuss how career and technical education (CTE) can strengthen the agricultural workforce. The summit builds on Budzinski's previous workforce development events, which focused on strengthening partnerships with Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) organizations across the district and expanding access to career and CTE opportunities.

Get The Latest News!

Don't miss our top stories and need-to-know news everyday in your inbox.

The summit will feature four panel discussions highlighting career pathways in agriculture for students after high school, with conversations focused on TechHub initiatives, CTE and workforce training centers, agribusiness opportunities, and firsthand perspectives from young farmers across the agricultural workforce.

Congresswoman Budzinski has been a strong advocate for helping get job seekers ready for careers in growing industries. One of the first bills she introduced was the Leveraging and Energizing America’s Apprenticeship Programs (LEAP) Act, designed to expand workforce development opportunities by providing federal tax incentives to businesses that hire apprentices.

Article continues after sponsor message

Learn about our advertising opportunities!