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 Wells
Awells@chiul.org
773-285-5800
4510 S Michigan Ave

Karen Youngblood
Sr. Project Manager – Solar
312-593-0297
kyoungblood@chiul.org

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
Hannah Trad
Hannah.Trad@icc.edu
309-690-7679

OAI's Solar Training Program prepares participants for entry-level employment as a designer, installer, troubleshooter, and maintenance technician for solar-photovoltaic power systems. Curricula will include training in solar installation and solar site assessor, basic carpentry, hazardous waste handling and safety training, plus life skills, basic education (industry-related language and math, computer literacy, etc.), and professional development. Students have the opportunity to earn industry-recognized certifications or licenses such as:

Solar Installer, MREA PV Solar Site Assessor, OSHA 10-hr. Worker Safety/Fall Protection, Hazardous Waste handling, Forklift Operations, First Aid/CPR, Basic Carpentry

Contact Information:

Shaquita Slater
(312) 528-3523
Sslater@oaiinc.org

ASPIRA of Illinois provides training in the electrical trade to students 18 and older at the Antonia Pantoja High School. Students receive a nationally recognized certificate in electrical training that allows them to transfer their skills to the solar industry and compete for in-demand jobs.

Contact:
April Curtis, Chief Strategy Officer
acurtis@aspirail.org

Elevate Energy, in collaboration with community partners, trains individuals and contractor businesses for jobs and projects in solar. All of our training programs combine community-based workforce preparation with industry-focused energy training so individuals and contractors are prepared for solar work upon graduation.

Please contact Lace Bolling, Project Manager, Workforce Development.

Additional office locations:
Marion: 102 E. DeYoung Street, Suite B, Marion, IL 62959