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Job Training

Job training is an essential component of the Illinois Solar for All program, offering a pathway for individuals to enter the solar industry. ILSFA Approved Vendors must hire Eligible Job Trainees from Qualified Job Training programs or Other Qualifying programs to complete a certain percentage of the work on their ILSFA solar projects. This job training requirement supports a strong and growing renewable energy workforce in Illinois and helps create solar industry careers for members of historically marginalized communities.

How Approved Vendors Find and Hire Eligible Job Trainees

  1. Review the Requirements: In the Approved Vendor Manual, you’ll find an overview of the job training requirements, information about eligible trainees and qualifying programs, and guidance on how your solar company reports the work of Eligible Job Trainees.
  2. Hire Eligible Job Trainees: Consult the directory below to find Eligible Job Trainees from CEJA or FEJA Workforce Development Programs or Other Qualifying Programs. Each program has its own rules and specialties, and you will work directly with the organizer of the Qualified Job Training program to confirm eligibility and hire trainees for Illinois Solar for All projects.
  3. Track Participation: The Approved Vendor Manual outlines how your solar company should collect and track data. Approved Vendors will submit a completed affidavit for each Eligible Job Trainee upon Part II project approval submission.

Please note that Equity Eligible Persons are designations only for the Illinois Shines program. For additional information, visit the Energy Workforce Equity Portal.

Directory of Qualified Job Training Programs and Other Qualifying Programs

  • FEJA Job Training Programs

    548 Foundation - Multi-cultural Jobs Program (FEJA)

    The 13-week program Solar Technician training course encompasses eight modules, covering essential topics such as site assessment, system design, installation and inspection, maintenance, and troubleshooting. To complement technical training, the program includes life skills training, and Power Principles. The training is done in person at our Chicago training center and includes theory, solar boot camp, and practical labs. Graduates will earn their OSHA and NCCER certifications and be able to sit for the NABCEP associate-level exam. Please contact us for more information.

    Contact information:
    Kynnee Golder
    kwallace@548foundation.org
    443-829-6967

    https://www.548enterprise.com/foundation

     

    Details
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  • Other Qualifying Programs

    548 Foundation (Other Qualifying Program)

    The 548 Foundation offers a variety of comprehensive clean energy training in Solar and EV installations. Our programs include pre-apprenticeship training and are both theory and practical and include solar bootcamp. These programs are provided in person at our training center in Chicago. Graduates of the programs earn an NCCER, OSHA, Life Skills, CPR certification and can sit for their NABCEP associate level exam. Please contact us for more information.

    Contact Information:

    Kynnee Golder
    kwallace@548foundation.org
    443-829-6967
    https://www.548enterprise.com/foundation

    Details
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  • FEJA Job Training Programs

    ASPIRA’s Future Energy Jobs Act Training

    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

    Details
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  • FEJA Job Training Programs

    Austin People’s Action Center (APAC)

    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

    Details
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  • Other Qualifying Programs

    Building Equity In Solar Training Program by Reactivate

    The Building Equity in Solar Training™ (B.E.S.T.) program by Reactivate is a sixteen-week hands-on solar workforce training program open to all individuals, including those from historically disinvested communities, veterans, returning citizens and high school graduates. The program standardizes the skills and provides certifications needed for a successful career including comprehensive training in solar energy system assessment, design, and installation, general building trades, OSHA 30 certification, powered industrial vehicle certifications (forklift, scissor lift, skidsteer), First Aid/CPR certification, as well as essential skills development in leadership, teamwork, financial literacy, and workplace etiquette. Trainees qualify for, receive preparation, and sit for the NABCEP PV Associate Certification during the program.

    Contact Information
    Kharma Paige
    best@reactivate.com
    708-831-0226

    Details
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  • FEJA Job Training Programs

    Central States SER

    This is a former FEJA Solar Pipeline training program. Graduates are considered Eligible Job Trainees for up to four years upon completion of this program.

    The Central States SER (SER) mission promotes economic self-sufficiency and upward mobility for low-income community residents through education and employment. Headquartered in South Lawndale (Little Village community), and has a strong service footprint in surrounding communities and suburban Cicero, Berwyn and North Riverside, and Aurora, Illinois. SER’s construction-pipeline programs are leveraged to create a career pathway for individuals interested in the construction industry.

    The FEJA Solar Pipeline training program is specially designed to support, train, and place individuals as a solar panel installers, also known as photovoltaic Installers. The program is instructed by certified and licensed professionals with real-world experience. Individuals gain the necessary skills to apply the mathematical, literacy, and technical skills required for this trade and obtain valuable career exploration and job readiness preparation.

    Contact information:

    Hugo Avila
    havila@centralstatesser.org
    773-739-6117

    Details
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  • FEJA Job Training Programs

    Chatham Business Association Alternative Energy Training Program

    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

    Details
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  • FEJA Job Training Programs

    Chicago Urban League: Solar Energy Jobs Training

    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

    Details
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  • CEJA Job Training Programs

    College of DuPage - CEJA Workforce Hub

    Bridge Training Includes:
    Clean Energy Basics
    NCCER Core Construction Certification
    Essential Life Skills
    OSHA 10 Certification
    CPR/First Aid Certification

    Participants can continue into job specific trainings in HVAC, Solar, Weatherization and more.

    Contact information:
    Callie Matheny – Director
    mathenyc456@cod.edu
    630-942-3715

    Rebecca Bahr – Recruitment and Transition
    bahrr@cod.edu
    630-942-3714

    Details
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  • FEJA Job Training Programs

    Elevate Energy Clean Energy Jobs Accelerator Program

    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

    Details
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  • Other Qualifying Programs

    HeatSpring 58-Hour NABCEP Advanced PV Certification Training + PV Associate Exam Prep Series

    This is a bundle of two courses taught by expert solar PV instructor Sean White. This training can fulfill the 58 hours of advanced training required to sit for the NABCEP PV Installation Professional certification exam (as long as you pass the NABCEP PV Associate Exam). It is comprised of two courses: Solar PV Boot Camp + NABCEP PV Associate Exam Prep, and 40-Hour NABCEP Advanced PV Certification Training and CEUs.

    On-Demand/Online offering

    Contact:
    Brittany Heller
    brit@heatspring.com or info@heatspring.com
    800-393-2044 x 2

    Details
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  • Other Qualifying Programs

    HeatSpring Solar PV Boot Camp + NABCEP PV Associate Exam Prep

    Develop a strong foundation in solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and receive expert guidance in preparing for the NABCEP PV Associate Exam in the Solar PV Boot Camp + NABCEP PV Associate Exam Prep course. This comprehensive course offers access to an experienced instructor, engaging lectures, industry-relevant resources, and focused practice questions.

    Modules include history of solar, markets and application for solar, and safety basics; electricity basics + solar energy fundamentals; PV module fundamentals and system components; PV system sizing and electrical design; PV system mechanical design, performance analysis, maintenance, and troubleshooting; and practice exams.

    The course is designed to not only help you pass the NABCEP PV Associate exam but also to deepen your understanding of solar technology.

    On-Demand/Online offering.

    Contact:
    Brittany Heller
    brit@heatspring.com or info@heatspring.com
    800-393-2044 x 2

    Details
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  • CEJA Job Training Programs

    Hire 360 - Climate Works Pre-apprenticeship Program

    The Climate Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program, funded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, prepares Illinoisians for careers in the lucrative clean-energy industry. Our Program helps students prepare for jobs in these fields by providing skills training to be successful in registered union apprenticeship programs in clean-energy construction and building trades.

    Contact information:
    contactus@hire360partners.org

    Details
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  • CEJA Job Training Programs, FEJA Job Training Programs

    Hispanic American Construction Industry Association (HACIA)

    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:
    Hector R. Tello
    htello@haciaworks.org
    312-575-0389 ext: 2006

    Details
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  • FEJA Job Training Programs

    Illinois Central College Solar Pipeline Training Program

    Illinois Central College provide a comprehensive solar pipeline training program that prepares students with fundamental knowledge and hands-on experience in analyzing, designing, selling, and installing photovoltaic systems. In addition to these technical skills, the program also focuses on upskilling students in employability skills, such as communication, critical thinking, and financial literacy. Upon completion, students will earn the highly regarding OSHA-10 certification and be eligible to sit for the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) Associate exam.

    Lead Contact
    Gabriel Carreno
    Gabriel.Carreno@icc.edu
    309-690-8777

    Details
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  • FEJA Job Training Programs

    Illinois IBEW Renewable Energy Fund

    The Illinois IBEW Renewable Energy Fund (REF) promotes the safe, productive and sustainable growth of renewable energy systems in Illinois through community partnerships, stakeholder engagement and educational services.

    The REF, in partnership with ComEd, has developed a Craft Apprenticeship Program to empower and engage the next generation of electricians and renewable energy workers with an emphasis on and goal to increase the adoption of renewable energy systems. Partner organizations, community colleges, high and junior high schools will have the opportunity to offer specific job training to individuals who then can apply and enter into IBEW apprenticeship programs throughout the State of Illinois.

    *IBEW members must have completed IBEW's solar training courses to be considered Eligible Job Trainees*

    Contact Info:
    Robert Hattier
    312-718-0934
    rhattier@local134.org

     

    Details
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  • Other Qualifying Programs

    Kankakee Community College

    Kankakee Community College (KCC) has an IREC accredited solar training program as a part of its Electrical Engineering Technology department. KCC EET students all take the same core courses and then branch out into four areas of interest, Industrial Electrical, Instrumentation, Industrial Maintenance and Renewables. KCC students can earn either a two-year AAS in Electrical Engineering Technology/Renewable Energy or a one-year certificate in Solar-Photovoltaic Technology. Students who participate in the solar training program take for classes for the specialty, Survey of Renewable Energy and Sustainability, Introduction to Solar – Photovoltaics, Advanced PV Design and Installation and Solar Operations and Maintenance. At the conclusion of the Introduction to Solar – Photovoltaics, students qualify to sit for the NABCEP Associate Level Exam.

    Contact information:

    Clay Sterling
    815-802-8853
    csterling@kcc.edu

     

    Details
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  • Other Qualifying Programs

    Lewis and Clark Community College Solar Training

    Lewis and Clark Community College offers solar training at its Scott Bibb Center in downtown Alton. Students complete two courses in four weeks: SOLR120 – Solar Design and Installation and SOLR121 – Grid Tied Solar Design. The last week of the training program is hands-on. Students install mock arrays on a residential roof model and a commercial roof model. Upon successful completion of the training courses, students register for and take the NABCEP PV Associate Exam. The program is taught as a unit of instruction for the Youthbuild program, but it is open to any student who wishes to take the training. The courses are offered as vocational credit.

    For Approved Vendors – due to the course length, it is recommended to hire students that have completed the program.

    Contact:
    Nate Keener
    Director of Sustainability and Grants Management
    nkeener@lc.edu
    618-468-2782

     

    Details
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  • Other Qualifying Programs

    Little Village Environmental Justice Organization

    Little Village Environmental Justice Organization (LVEJO) offers a 16 week job readiness program to prepare solar installers. Program includes various student support services such as stipends, books, transportation. Student earn numerous credentials including OHSA 10, NCCER, NABCEP.

    Contact information:

    solar@lvejo.org
    773-762-6991

    Details
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  • Other Qualifying Programs

    Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council Apprentice and Training Program

    The Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council represents over 50,000 working men and women in Illinois, Kansas, and Missouri. Our skilled Carpenters start as a 1st year apprentice, then after four years of school and on-the-job training, graduate to Journey person status. The Apprentice earn-while-they-learn working for a Union Contractor and being paid Apprentice wages. Continuing education in skill advancement classes are available at no cost to sustain their high-level skill sets. Safety, productivity, and quality assurance is our priority in all of our classes creating an educated, qualified Carpenter to pursue career pathway opportunities.

    Contact information:

    Craig Triplett
    ctriplett@mactc.org
    847-640-7373

    Details
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  • Other Qualifying Programs

    Midwest Renewable Energy Association

    MREA courses are accredited by the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC), and meet the educational requirements for credentialing by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). Courses can be delivered online or in person and can be customized for groups. MREA courses can fulfill the advanced training requirements for the NABCEP PV Installation Professional certification exam as well as the following NABCEP certifications: PV Technical Sales Professional, PV Design Specialist, PV Installer Specialist, PV Commissioning & Maintenance Specialist.

    Contact:

    Greta Ladenthin
    715-900-2462
    gretal@midwestrenew.org

    Details
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  • Other Qualifying Programs

    Millennium Solar Electric Training Academy

    Millennium Solar Electric Training Academy (MSETA) offers a wide range career path. MSETA is a NCCER accredited training program that offers 300 hours of Solar Electric training. Participants start off with introductory to Craft Skills, Osh 30, Introduction to Solar PV, Site Assessment, System Design, System Installation and Inspection, and Maintenance and Troubleshooting. After successfully complete these modules, participants qualify to take the NABCEP Associate Exam.

    Contact:

    Christopher Williams
    708-545-8115
    millenniumsolarelectric@gmail.com

    Details
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  • FEJA Job Training Programs

    National Latino Education Institute - Solar Associate Program

    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:
    Elba Aranda-Suh, Executive Director
    elbarranda@nlei.org
    773-395-1839

    Details
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  • FEJA Job Training Programs

    OAI, Inc.

    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

     

     

    Details
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  • FEJA Job Training Programs

    Quad County Urban League

    An affiliate of the National Urban League:  serves the DuPage, Kane, Kendall, and Will counties of Illinois, securing equal opportunities for all underrepresented persons including people of color, women, and persons with disabilities. The QCUL mission and vision ensures civil rights for all people by eradicating barriers to equal participation in the economic and social mainstream.

    The Quad City Urban League will provide employment and training assistance that includes career services, occupational training, work-based training, and supportive services to 110 program participants in Aurora and surrounding communities. Trainings include certification in OSHA 30, NCCER Core Curriculum, and Solar Photovoltaic Installer (SPVI) per North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners rules/regulations.

     

    Contact:

    Jayla Foster
    630-851-2203
    JaylaFoster@qcul.org

     

     

    Details
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  • Other Qualifying Programs

    Safer Foundation (DOE funded)

    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

    Details
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  • FEJA Job Training Programs

    Safer Foundation (FEJA funded)

    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:

    Safer Foundation – Multicultural Jobs Program
    Lisa Brackett
    lisa.brackett@saferfoundation.org
    773-533-3093

    Safer Foundation – Solar Training Pipeline Program
    Kimberly Flennoy-Green
    kimberly.flennoygreen@saferfoundation.org
    708-596-0142

    Details
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  • Other Qualifying Programs

    Sustainable Option for Urban Living's - Green Construction and Energy Workforce

    SOUL'S Green Construction and Energy Workforce offers group and 1-1 coaching, incorporating SEL to develop executive function skills and support workers with both technical and soft skill training.

    Our hybrid instructional format includes online content, virtual simulations, in-person hands-on exercises, and OSHA 10. Participants can gain national industry certifications in Low Slope and/or Pitched Slope Roofing Installer, Certified Roof Inspector, Solar Installer, Solar Sales Professional, HVACR Professional-5, EV Charging Stations, and Heat Pumps.

    We also offer direct enrollment in two U.S. Department of Labor registered Apprenticeship programs: Electric/Solar and Residential Carpentry.

    Contact:

    Cyndi Stewart
    773-250-1770 ext 702
    Cyndi@soul-program.org

    Details
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Frequently Asked Questions - Job Training

The job training requirement fits into a larger strategy of building a robust solar workforce and connecting talented individuals from disadvantaged communities to career pathways. As an Approved Vendor, you’ll not only help strengthen this local workforce but also have an opportunity to expand your own business by hiring additional skilled workers and taking on more solar projects through Illinois Solar for All.

Illinois Solar for All aims to expand access to individuals seeking a career in the solar industry. Foster care alumni, veterans, women, people formerly in the justice system, and those who reside in environmental justice and income-eligible communities are especially encouraged to participate in Qualified Job Training programs. Each training organization has its own requirements to support a more inclusive labor force for the renewable energy economy in Illinois.

Illinois Solar for All does not launch or run Qualified Job Training programs or other Qualifying Programs. Please consult the training program directly to confirm that it meets the ILSFA requirements.

Programs listed in the above directory are approved to work with Illinois Solar for All. Here are additional considerations to confirm the program is approved to work with ILSFA:

  • Confirm that the training program is a CEJA or FEJA Workforce Development program or Other Qualifying program with ILSFA.
  • Confirm that any job trainees you may take on have fulfilled the ILSFA Eligible Job Trainee course requirements and training categories.
  • Work directly with the organizers of the job training program to determine a process for securing Eligible Job Trainees.

A certificate of completion or an email from the Qualified Job Training program are acceptable forms of documentation. Documentation needs to include the name of the Qualified Job Training program, the name of the Eligible Job Trainee, and the completion date.

Join the growing renewable energy economy in Illinois! To get started, consult the directory above and contact one of the job training programs to inquire about enrollment.