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The Clean and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA), which was signed by
Gov. J.B. Pritzker three years ago, funds programs that create
clean energy jobs statewide.
Pritzker said the Climate Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program
prioritizes underrepresented populations and Illinoisans living
in communities that have historically faced economic and
environmental barriers.
“Climate Works will provide participants the direct hands-on
support and resources that they need to build a career in the
clean energy trade while further bolstering our world class
workforce development infrastructure,” said Pritzker.
The nonprofits HIRE360 and the 548 Foundation will receive
nearly $14 million in taxpayer funding to expand its clean
energy careers training program to reach 1,000 graduates in the
next 36 months and to place grads into trade programs.
Jay Rowell, executive director of HIRE360, expects the funding
will allow the organization to expand its workforce development
program to cover all 102 of Illinois’ counties.
“It will allow us to provide the specialized training that
individuals need to enter the green trades and build sustainable
careers,” said Rowell. “Jobs in clean energy are the future for
our state.”
As outlined in statute, the pre-apprenticeship program consists
of three regional centers serving the North and Chicago
metropolitan area, Central Illinois and Southern Illinois.
While state officials note that people of color, women and other
populations have historically been significantly
underrepresented in apprenticeship programs, a new study says
some may be left behind.
The study, published in Political Geography by the University of
Illinois Urbana-Champaign, suggests the state, in attempting to
redress historical wrongs, used blinders to define equity in
CEJA, which led to perceived injustices for downstate rural,
often white communities.
CEJA calls for 100% clean energy in Illinois by 2050.
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