Budzinski Hosts Third Workforce Summit, Highlighting Careers in Agriculture

SPRINGFIELD, IL — Yesterday, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) hosted her third annual workforce development summit bringing together educators, employers, and community leaders to discuss how career and technical education (CTE) can strengthen the agricultural workforce. 

The event welcomed over 100 attendees and featured four panels of educators, stakeholders, and business leaders with conversations centered around Career & Technical Education (CTE), workforce training and TechHub initiatives, learning more about agribusiness opportunities and hearing perspectives from young farmers across the region. 

“When I came to Congress, I made it my mission to inspire the next generation of workers, innovators, and leaders — and to make sure every young person knows there are real, meaningful pathways to success that don’t always require a four-year degree,” said Budzinski. “Events like this bring that mission to life by creating productive conversations about the challenges facing our workforce, the opportunities available in our communities, and the pathways that can help the next generation build successful careers right here at home.”

In her first term, Congresswoman Budzinski introduced her Leveraging and Energizing America’s Apprenticeship Programs (LEAP) Act. Reintroduced for the 119th Congress, this bipartisan bill aims to expand workforce development opportunities by providing federal tax incentives to businesses that hire apprentices.