Update: Job Training guidelines were updated after the 2022 Plan update to no longer prioritize trainees from FEJA workforce programs. Current job training information and requirements can be found on the Job Training page.

The Illinois Solar for All (ILSFA) Program Administrator has published an application form for Other Qualifying Program (OQP) Certification. This application allows for solar job training programs that are not designated FEJA Workforce Development Programs to produce trainees that meet ILSFA job trainee requirements.

In order to qualify as an OQP, the solar job training organization must satisfactorily demonstrate that completion of the program will lead to a graduate being a “Qualified Person,” as defined in Part 468 of the Illinois Administrative Code.

Participants of OQPs who have completed at least 50% of the program’s classroom requirements will be considered “Qualified Job Trainees,” allowing for their work hours on ILSFA projects to contribute to an Approved Vendor’s job training requirements. However, an Approved Vendor must prioritize utilizing trainees from a Qualified Job Training Program before attempting to utilize a student from an OQP. Please see the Project Waiver Evaluation Rubric for the process by which the Program Administrator will score Waivers in the event an Approved Vendor is not able to utilize any trainees. More information about ILSFA’s job training requirements can be found in Section 15 of the Approved Vendor Manual.

Organizations interested in having their program certified as an OQP may apply by submitting an application along with any supporting documentation to info@IllinoisSFA.com. The applicant should expect communication within two weeks of submission and the Program Administrator may ask for further information to clarify the application. Additional information should be submitted within two weeks of the request. If the application is approved, the program will be added to the ILSFA website and all appropriate job training directories. If it is denied, the program will have two weeks from the notification date to formally appeal, in writing on company letterhead conveyed by e-mail, to the Illinois Power Agency (IPA). The IPA will review all appeals and will be the final authority for granting or rejecting an appeal.

The ILSFA Program Administrator is conducting outreach to organizations that administer job training programs that may potentially be eligible. Approved Vendors may also want to inform training programs that they work with of this opportunity.

REMINDER: Please ensure the Other Qualifying Program Application is downloaded on your computer before filling it out, or your work may not be saved.