Council lays over Goodwill/IBW apprenticeship funding after split votes and objections

Council debated a proposed funding agreement with Goodwill, in partnership with IBW Local 364, intended to prepare trainees for electrical trade apprenticeship entry. The committee originally recommended denial; one amendment increased the program amount in the motion on the floor and brought the item back for approval. During council discussion opponents said the proposed six-session Goodwill course lacked the depth and math preparation of the Rock Valley College programs and that Goodwill had substantial prior income to support the effort. Alderman Derky and others raised concerns that the program could be redundant with Rock Valley College's longer, hands-on training.