Climate and Equitable Jobs Act Workforce Hubs

Program Description

The CEJA Workforce Hubs (Hubs) provide two training programs: a Bridge Program and a Job-Specific Training Program. The programs prepare participants for careers as Weatherization and HVAC professionals, Solar Photovoltaic Installers, Electric Vehicle Charging Station Installers, and Hybrid Auto Technicians.

• The Bridge Program addresses essential employability skills and clean energy basics to help participants succeed in various clean energy jobs and workplaces. The Program lasts up to four weeks, during which participants receive a stipend.
• The Bridge Program also prepares participants for the Job-Specific Training options and leads students to obtain, at a minimum, an OSHA-10 certification and a First Aid/CPR certification. The Bridge Program covers tuition costs.
• Some clean energy employers may be interested in hiring directly from The Bridge Program.

After participants complete The Bridge Program, they are directed to the Job-Specific Training options, which, depending on their specialty, can last one to three months.

The Partnership’s network operates two Hubs in the 13-hub network in the State of Illinois, as part of the Illinois Clean Jobs Workforce Network Program, funded by the State’s Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA). The Program is designed to offer workforce development to historically underrepresented communities and residents. The Hubs focus on serving residents of Chicago’s south and west sides, but the program is open to all residents of Chicago and Cook County.

The Hubs engage with employers, community-based organizations, educational institutions, and labor-based training providers to ensure program-eligible individuals across Illinois have dedicated and sustained support to enter and build clean energy careers.