Job Training Resources
Illinois is one the leading states in the Midwest for clean energy jobs.
Thanks to the Future Energy Jobs Act and Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, there are more clean energy job training programs throughout the state. See a list of opportunities below, which will be continually updated.
If you are aware of any programs not listed, please reach out to ICJC at info@ilcleanjobs.org.
548 Foundation Clean Energy Trainings
700 N. Larrabee St. Chicago, IL 60654
Call: 443-829-6967
The 548 Foundation offers a variety of comprehensive clean energy trainings in solar and EV installations, including pre-apprenticeship trainings that include a solar bootcamp. Graduates of the programs earn NCCER, OSHA, Life Skills, and CPR certifications and can sit for the NABCEP associate level exam.
548 Foundation Solar Technician Trainings
700 N. Larrabee St. Chicago, IL 60654
Call: 443-829-6967
This 13-week program covers topics such as site assessment, system design, installation and inspection, maintenance, and troubleshooting. The program also includes life skills training. Graduates will earn their OSHA and NCCER certifications and be able to sit for the NABCEP associate-level exam.
ASPIRA's Future Energy Jobs Act Training
3909 W. Fullerton Ave. Chicago, IL 60647
Call: 773-243-1900
ASPIRA of Illinois offers Future Energy Jobs Act training for high school students at Antonia Pantoja High School. Training programs include solar training and industry job preparation.
Building Equity in Solar Training Program
450 W. 169th St. South Holland, IL 60473
Call: 708-831-0226
Reactivate's 16-week hybrid solar training program includes instruction, hands-on training, OSHA 30 certification, NABCEP preparation, exam and career guidance, and placement assistance.
Building Operator Certification
20 N. Wacker Suite 1301, Chicago, IL 60606
The Building Operator Certification (BOC) program through MEEA trains maintenance and operations staff and technicians in energy-saving operational strategies. BOC graduates use the training tools to help their facilities save energy, reduce costs, and improve the efficiency of their building systems.
Central States SER
3948 W. 26th St. Suite 213 Chicago, IL 60623
Call: 773-739-6117
The Future Energy Jobs Act Solar Pipeline training program supports, trains, and places individuals as solar panel installers, also known as photovoltaic installers. Valuable career exploration and job readiness preparation is included in the training.
Certified Practitioner in Energy Management Systems Training
20 N. Wacker Suite 1301, Chicago, IL 60606
This program trains energy professionals to lead an industrial organization through the development and maintenance of an energy management system, meeting ISO 50001 requirements and preparing for Superior Energy Performance certification.
Chicago Urban League: Solar Energy Jobs Training
4510 S. Michigan Ave. Chicago, IL 60653
Call: 312-593-0297
The Solar Energy Jobs Training is a 48-hour training program which utilizes classroom training and hands-on lab activities to prepare students for work in PV Solar Installer Training and Solar Sales and Finance.
Wind Energy Technician Associate Degree Program
2000 E. Main St. Danville, IL 61832
Call: 217-443-3222
The Danville Area Community College delivers the only hands-on Wind Energy Technician Associate Degree Program in Illinois. Wind Technology graduates will have the skills necessary to be immediately employed in technical positions and may earn multiple industry certifications.
Elevate Energy Clean Energy Jobs Accelerator Program
322 S. Green St. Chicago, IL 60607
Call: 773-299-7658
Elevate's hybrid Accelerators Program can last about 6 to 8 weeks and is developed for a select group of contractors and tailored to a specific location and market, such as solar or electrification. The program also includes mentorship opportunities and access to professional networks and job opportunities.
Everblue, Rethink Electric Training
Online courses available anywhere!
Call: 800-460-2575
Everblue's IREC accredited course offers hands-on solar installation training. In addition, completion of the course counts towards NABCEP certification.
Green Building & Energy Efficiency Trainings for Realtors
20 N. Wacker Suite 1301 Chicago, IL 60606
This MEEA program highlights the benefits of an energy efficient home, tools agents can use to market those homes, and resources to reduce home energy use.
Renewable Energy Skills Certificate
500 W. Raab Rd. Normal, IL 61761
Call: 309-268-8000
Heartland Community College offers the Renewable Energy Skills Certificate, which prepares students for an entry-level position in the renewable energy field such as a technician or energy auditor.
HeatSpring Advanced PV Certification Training Series
401 E. Stadium Blvd. Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Call: 800-393-2044
HeatSpring's 58-hour Advanced PV Certification Training Series is a bundle of three courses that prepare students to sit for a NABCEP PV Certification exam.
Hispanic American Construction Industry Association
650 W. Lake Unit 415 Chicago, IL 60661
Call: 773-319-8594
HACIA's FEJA Multicultural Jobs Programs help diversify the construction workforce by providing qualified individuals from traditionally underrepresented groups an on-ramp into the clean energy industry.
IL Central College Solar Training Program
1 College Drive E, Peoria, IL 61635
Call: 309-690-6845
The ICC Solar Pipeline Training Program prepares individuals for entry-level positions in the solar industry. Students will gain the fundamental knowledge and hands-on experience necessary to analyze, design, sell, and install solar systems.
IBEW Renewable Energy Fund
2722 S. Martin Luther King Dr. Chicago, IL 60616
Call: 312-474-4160
This Craft Apprenticeship Program empowers and engages the next generation of electricians and renewable energy workers with the goal of increasing the adoption of renewable energy systems.
Solar-Photovoltaic Technology Certificate
100 College Drive Kankakee, IL 60901
Call: 815-802-8853
Kankakee Community College offers an Introduction to Solar-Photovoltaic Technology course, which explores the design, installation, and use of solar power systems.
Small-Wind Technology Certificate
100 College Drive Kankakee, IL 60901
Call: 815-802-8853
Kankakee Community College offers an Introduction to Small-Wind Technology course, which explores the design, installation, and use of small-wind electrical generator systems.
Solar-Thermal Technology Certificate
100 College Drive Kankakee, IL 60901
Call: 815-802-8853
Kankakee Community College offers an Introduction to Solar-Thermal Technology course, which explores the use of Solar-Thermal technology for space and water heating.
Solar Panel Installer Training
5800 Godfrey Rd. Godfrey, IL 62035
Call: 618-468-2782
Lewis and Clark Community College offers an introductory Solar Energy Training Course and an intermediate-level Solar Panel Installer Training. The 40-hour course is entirely online.
Solar PV Training
Workforce Careers Center, Springfield, IL 62703
Call: 217-786-2750
Lincoln Land Community College offers a Solar PV Training. This online course teaches the basics of solar electricity, energy efficiency recommendations, and energy system costs.
Little Village Environmental Justice Organization
2501 S Whipple St. Chicago, IL 60623
Call: 773-762-6991
LVEJO offers a 12-week comprehensive training that prepares students for careers in the solar industry, such as Solar PV Installers, Site Surveyors, Project Managers, Sales, and Designers.
Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council Apprentice & Training Program
12 East Erie St. Chicago, IL 60611
Call: 312-787-3076
The Apprentice Training Program combines hands-on classroom education with on-the-job training and offers training in numerous specialized carpenter training programs.
Midwest Renewable Energy Association
7558 Deer Rd. Custer, WI 54423
Call: 715-900-2462
The MREA's NABCEP PV Associate Program includes 11 hours of elective hands-on training to meet the Illinois Solar for All Program's 29 required credit hours.
Millennium Solar Electric Training Academy
14076 Lincoln Ave. Dalton, IL 60416
Call: 708-545-8115
The Solar Craft Apprenticeship Training Program prepares individuals for entry-level solar industry jobs.
LYTE Solar Training Program
180 N. Wabash Ave Suite 750, Chicago, IL 60601
Call: 312-528-3523
OAI, Inc.'s 10-week program prepares students for entry-level positions in the solar industry, with the opportunity to earn industry certifications and become qualified solar installers.
Quad County Urban League
1685 Farnsworth Ave. Aurora, IL 60505
Call: 630-851-2203
This Certificate Program establishes entry-level competency in the renewable energy field and coursework helps students work toward various industry credentials.
Reconstruction Technology Partners, LLC
Chicago, IL
Call: 872-444-5595
This project through the Safer Foundation trains formerly incarcerated individuals in building and repair services, including solar panel installation.
Electric Vehicle Repair
3301 N Mulford Rd. Rockford, IL 61114
Call: 815-921-7821
Rock Valley College offers an Automotive Program that includes coursework in both hybrid and electric vehicle repair.
Solar Training Pipeline
571 W. Jackson Blvd. Chicago, IL 60661
Call: 773-533-3093
This project through the Safer Foundation recruits and trains returning citizens for grantee programs and provides soft skills and introduction to solar training.
Multicultural Jobs Program
571 W. Jackson Blvd. Chicago, IL 60661
Call: 815-921-7821
This project through the Safer Foundation assists returning citizens in their efforts to become productive members of the community.
Solar Energy International
Online courses, also available in Spanish
Call: 970-527-7657
Solar Energy International offers a free online course introducing renewable energy. Other fee-based courses on energy topics are available as well.
Green Construction and Energy Workforce
14076 Lincoln Ave. Dolton, IL 60419
Call: 773-250-1770 ext. 702
SOUL offers group and 1-on-1 coaching to support workers with technical and soft skills training.
Renewable Energy Technology Certificate & Degree Programs
2000 Fifth Ave. River Grove, IL 60171
Triton Community College offers programs that are designed to meet the demands for skilled renewable energy technicians. Training is provided for entry-level employment in the solar, wind, energy auditing, and weatherization industries.