F.A.Q.

Popular Questions

The Effingham Regional Career Academy (ERCA) is a public/private partnership between business, education, and the community. The Academy promotes educational opportunities that enhance workforce and technical knowledge and skills required in the current and future job markets. School District Partners include: Altamont, Beecher City, Dieterich, Effingham, St. Anthony, Teutopolis, Brownstown, Cowden-Herrick, Cumberland, Jasper, Neoga, North Clay, St. Elmo, and Stewardson-Strasburg.

Effingham Regional Career Academy is designed to teach skills and knowledge needed in the current and future job market. Its mission is to attract, retain, and grow area businesses by providing sustainable career pathways for high school students and incumbent adult workers.

The careers listed below were identified by local employers as having the greatest opportunity for employment while addressing the most critical needs of business and industry. ERCA continues to work with education and industry partners to identify future growth needs and identify curriculum as necessary.

  • Agriculture
  • Healthcare
  • Information Technology
  • Advanced Manufacturiing
  • Transportation/Automotive

ERCA courses are designed in partnership with Lake Land College, ensuring that they are state-approved and meet the same requirements as courses in higher education. Because of that, many ERCA courses offer dual credits and can be applied toward requirements at other institutions if students plan to continue their education path.

ERCA is designed to equip you with the education and skills needed to enter – or return to – the workforce. Creating targeted educational opportunities for learners of all ages and a pipeline of skilled individuals for area employers will positively impact future access to a skilled workforce, and our region’s agility in adapting to forthcoming industry trends.

A curriculum for adult learners and incumbent workers is being established.

Additionally, we will offer training for businesses to maintain state-of-the-art production methods. Virtual and Artificial equipment will enable employees and employers to experience the most up-to-date equipment the industry has to offer. Additionally, workers can explore a change in careers while developing the skills necessary to find immediate success in a newly chosen field.

ERCA Classes are offered at no charge to students in the partner school districts.

You can register through your high school guidance counselor.

Many of our courses offer dual credit opportunities. In Fall 2024, 59 hours of dual credit is available to students. Depending upon the curriculum chosen, industry certificates will be available. All ERCA students who successfully complete their course of study will receive a Certificate of Completion.

ERCA classes are offered in various formats. You should be able to determine a course schedule that will fit your needs.

Contact us here to learn more about ERCA.

Students must provide their own transportation.

The Lake Land College Effingham Technology Center. 1201 Althoff Drive, Effingham is the home of Effingham Regional Career Academy classes, starting Spring 2025. Fall 2024 classes will be held at the Lake Land College Kluthe Center, 1204 Network Centre Drive #A, Effingham.