Solar Energy Jobs Training is a 220-hour training program which utilizes classroom training and hands-on lab activities to prepare participants for work in the solar industry. This certificate program establishes entry-level competency and appeals to employers in the renewable energy field. Coursework helps students work toward various industry credentials, including those through the North American Board of Energy Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP).

Lead Contact
Andrew J. Wells
Director, Workforce Development
awells@thechicagourbanleague.org
(773) 624.8800

The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 134 (IBEW Local 134) has been in operation for over 115 years. IBEW Local 134 serves Cook County by operating Department of Labor-certified apprenticeship programs for a variety of areas in the electrical industry, such as electrical construction and electrical communication.

Founded in 1979, the Hispanic American Construction Industry Association (HACIA) works to ensure the equitable participation of its members in the design, engineering, and construction industries, while also promoting the growth, quality of work, professionalism, and integrity of these individuals and businesses. The organization works to provide scholarships for Hispanic college students and training for contractors looking to increase their firm’s construction capacity. HACIA trains existing businesses to prepare them for future energy careers with a focus on design, engineering, renewables, and construction.

Contact:
Matthew Smith, Project Manager
msmith@haciaworks.org
773-677-4924

The National Latino Education Institute (NLEI), formerly the Spanish Coalition for Jobs, offers a broad array of accredited training programs in both the business and medical fields, specially designed to help participants gain employment after graduation. As a non-profit, the NLEI provides training and services at affordable rates without sacrificing the quality of training. The NLEI’s Solar Associate Program focuses on academic, technical, sales, and service as well as job readiness.

Contact:
Elvia Estrada
eestrada@nlei.org
773-247-0707 X264

Since 1972, Safer Foundation’s mission is to support the efforts of people facing barriers to employment, including those with arrest and conviction records, through a full spectrum of services and advocacy. Aiding these individuals assists them in their efforts to become productive members of the community. Safer Foundation recruits and screens returning citizens for grantee programs and provides soft skills and introduction to solar training.

Contact:
Lisa Brackett
lisa.brackett@saferfoundation.org
773-533-3093

The APAC Solar Program provides information and guidance needed to compete for a good paying entry level job in the Solar industry. Through the training, participants receive: Introduction to Renewable Energy, Renewable Energy and Advocacy, Introduction to Photovoltaics, Work Readiness Skills, Life Skills/CPR/First Aid, and OSHA 10.

Contact:
Tasha Wilkerson, Director of Work Force Development
tashawilkerson5125@gmail.com
773-261-6900 or 773-921-2121

The Chatham Business Association’s Alternative Energy Training Program is designed to assist new and established firms including disadvantaged minority-and women-owned business enterprises (D/M/WBE), service disabled, veteran-owned small businesses (SDVOSB) and veteran-owned small businesses (VOSB) in business development plans for alternative energy related projects and procurement opportunities that will drive small business growth and job creation in the Chicagoland area.

Lead Contact
Melinda Kelly
President
melindakelly@cbaworks.org
773.490.6484

Solar Energy Jobs Training is a 220-hour training program which utilizes classroom training and hands-on lab activities to prepare participants for work in the solar industry. This certificate program establishes entry-level competency and appeals to employers in the renewable energy field. Coursework helps students work toward various industry credentials, including those through the North American Board of Energy Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP).

Lead Contact
Andrew J. Wells
Director, Workforce Development
awells@thechicagourbanleague.org
(773) 624.8800

Illinois Central College provides a nine-week immersion into the careers and opportunities that are available in the growing Illinois solar industry. In conjunction with two community partners, we offer four weeks of job readiness training and five weeks of technical, hands-on training. Participants are exposed to industry speakers, field trips and the latest in solar technology. At the conclusion of the program, graduates take the NABCEP PV Associate Exam.

Lead Contact
Kyle Barber, Solar Instructor/Coordinator
kylebbarber@gmail.com
314-920-5412