Harper College is co-leading a new initiative with the Chicago Quantum Exchange, City Colleges of Chicago and the College of DuPage to directly integrate the needs of quantum employers into community college curricula. The Quantum Technician Business Industry Leadership Team (BILT) uses a workforce readiness model developed and funded by the National Science Foundation to pinpoint the specific skills needed to scale a domestic quantum supply chain.
“The quantum technology sector is advancing at a rapid pace, and community colleges are uniquely positioned to build the specialized workforce this industry requires,” said Dr. Avis Proctor, president of Harper College, emphasizing the collaboration’s aim to create high-quality career pathways for students.
CQE and Community Colleges Address Midwest Quantum Talent Needs
This initiative is not operating in isolation; it directly addresses Goal #4, Employer Leadership, within the “Advancing Together: A Unified Strategy for Scaling Midwest Quantum Talent.” Emily Easton, the director of education and workforce development, explained that “The BILT model isn’t just about building a workforce — it’s about building the workforce our quantum ecosystem actually needs.” By integrating employers into the curriculum planning process, the BILT aims to reduce uncertainty in a rapidly evolving field and equip technicians with precisely the skills companies require. Ability Engineering’s involvement further strengthens this connection by using their experience in manufacturing and trades to shape the program’s content.
The emphasis on practical, hands-on training is a key component of the BILT’s approach. “Training for such roles cannot remain at the theoretical level only, and hands-on experience with the hardware that operates quantum computers will be essential,” Kristina Callaghan, the quantum education and workforce development program manager, stated, highlighting the need to move beyond abstract concepts and provide students with real-world experience.
Ability Engineering has had a longstanding relationship with local primary and secondary schools helping to shape the future of manufacturing and local trades – and now we are delighted to be partnering with BILT to offer our expertise to help build community college programming for future quantum technicians.
CJ Schmidt, Quality Manager at Ability Engineering Technology
Quantum Technician BILT Integrates Industry into Curriculum Planning
This approach moves beyond theoretical instruction, ensuring that community college programs align with the evolving needs of the quantum sector and address immediate workforce demands. The BILT’s structure mirrors over 150 similar industry-led teams nationwide, highlighting a broader trend toward proactive workforce development strategies. The Illinois-Wisconsin-Indiana region’s position as a leading quantum hub is further strengthened by these partnerships, addressing both workforce and supply chain challenges simultaneously.
The quantum technology sector is advancing at a rapid pace, and community colleges are uniquely positioned to build the specialized workforce this industry requires.
Dr. Avis Proctor, the president of Harper College, which is co-leading the BILT with the CQE, City Colleges
See today’s quantum computing news on Quantum Zeitgeist for the latest breakthroughs in qubits, hardware, algorithms, and industry deals.
