Southern Illinois — Southern Illinois Now proudly highlights the State of Illinois’ outstanding achievement in workforce development in the 2026 Workforce Development Rankings: Bright Horizons report by Site Selection magazine. Illinois ranked #3 nationally and #1 in the Midwest for workforce development, a testament to the state’s strategic investments in education, training, and employer-aligned talent initiatives.
“Intertape Polymer Group (IPG) is proud to be located in Illinois,” said IPG CI Manager Glenn Edwards. “Our success is not possible without a strong, stable, skilled, and committed workforce.”
The ranking reflects Illinois’ long-term commitment to talent development, training infrastructure, and workforce adaptability. These measures evaluate not only the number of workers available, but how effectively states prepare people to evolve with changing industries. Illinois continues to stand out by producing a workforce that is skilled, flexible, and ready to meet employer needs.
Adaptability Built into the Workforce
One of Illinois’ greatest strengths is adaptability and nowhere is that more evident than in Southern Illinois. The region’s workforce is shaped by generations of blue-collar experience rooted in mining, agriculture, and heavy manufacturing. For decades, Southern Illinois workers powered the nation, developing a culture of discipline, problem-solving, and hands-on technical skills.
As industries evolved, so did the workforce. That same population has successfully transitioned into advanced manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, defense, and emerging technologies. This ability to retrain and upskill is a defining characteristic of Southern Illinois and a major reason the state continues to rank among the nation’s best for workforce development.
Training at Scale
Illinois is home to the largest community college system in the country, providing workforce training, certifications, apprenticeships, and customized employer-driven programs across nearly every industry. These institutions work closely with employers to ensure training aligns with real-world workforce demands, allowing workers to quickly adapt to new technologies and processes.
Southern Illinois leverages this system extensively, offering clear pathways for workers to reskill efficiently while remaining in the region. This coordinated approach helps employers find the talent they need while giving workers opportunities to grow their skills and advance their careers.
Industry Anchors and Major Employers
Southern Illinois benefits from a strong base of anchor employers that rely on a highly capable and adaptable workforce. These include Continental Tire, Southern Illinois Healthcare, and AISIN Illinois.
The region is also home to major employers such as Prysmian, General Dynamics, Penn Aluminum, and Honeywell, along with a wide network of supporting suppliers and service providers. Together, these companies form a resilient industrial ecosystem that values skilled trades, technical expertise, and continuous learning.
Higher Education Driving Innovation
Southern Illinois University Carbondale plays a critical role in the region’s workforce success. As an R-1 research university, SIU delivers advanced research, talent development, and innovation across automotive, aviation, engineering, agriculture, healthcare, and other high-demand sectors.
The university’s impact extends well beyond the classroom. More than 1,000 alumni-owned businesses operate throughout the region, strengthening entrepreneurship, job creation, and long-term economic growth.
A Workforce That Gets It Done
From its coal mining roots to today’s advanced manufacturing floors and healthcare facilities, Southern Illinois has proven time and again that its workforce can evolve, adapt, and deliver.
With unmatched training resources, strong industry partnerships, and a culture built on hard work, Illinois continues to show the nation what workforce development done right looks like—earning top rankings and reinforcing Southern Illinois as a region ready for the industries of tomorrow.
