Illinois Launches Pre-Apprenticeship Program for Climate-Related Fields
Date Posted: May 9, 2023
Posted In: Environment/Sustainability, Workforce,
From St. Louis/Southern Illinois Labor Tribune: Weeks after bolstering support for pre-apprenticeship programs in the construction trades, Illinois is launching another program to promote pre-apprenticeships in climate-related fields.
Gov. JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity announced $10 million in funding for the Climate Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program and $6 million for the Energy Transition Barrier Reduction Program. The programs are intended to increase training opportunities in the trades and expand opportunities and diversity in clean energy.
UNDERREPRESENTED WORKERS, COMMUNITIES
The pre-apprenticeship program will prioritize underrepresented worker populations and communities facing economic and environmental barriers, according to the state announcement. Climate Works will also help provide services for participants addressing common barriers, including transportation, child care and supplies.
“Economic progress in Illinois depends on our diverse workforce, and these investments will break down barriers for more women and people of color to pave the way with good-paying careers that will push our state toward a carbon-free future,” Pritzker said. “The strategic investments we make today in our clean energy workforce will have a lasting impact for generations to come.”
CLEAN ENERGY EMPLOYERS
Climate Works will align the needs of clean energy employers in construction and building trades, provide students with nationally recognized certifications, and provide access to apprenticeships in renewable energy, electrification and energy efficiency industries, as well as educational and career counseling.