Governor Pritzker Announces CEJA Climate Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program Grantees

CHICAGO – Governor JB Pritzker today joined the 548 Foundation to highlight the organizations selected to provide training through the Climate Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program as part of the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA). The Climate Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program provides training opportunities in the trades and will expand the clean energy talent pipeline and boost diversity in clean energy trade industries.

“A clean energy future isn’t only about changing how we create energy and protect our environment—it’s also about how we ensure everyone has a seat at the table as we evolve our economy and industry to be cleaner and more equitable,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “These internship programs are a crucial step towards eliminating barriers to accessing training and education that opens doors to numerous careers in this growing industry.”

"We're building an Illinois that works for everyone, and these internship programs are a vital step forward," said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. "By investing in training opportunities, we're creating pathways to clean energy careers while ensuring Illinois leads not only in environmental sustainability, but also in workforce equity and economic opportunity."

The Climate Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program prioritizes underrepresented populations and Illinoisans living in communities that have historically faced economic and environmental barriers, bolstering a diverse workforce in the clean energy industry. The Climate Works program is bolstered by Barrier Reduction Program funding, which provides services for participants to address common barriers for underrepresented populations such as transportation, child care, supplies, and other expenditures that often amount to roadblocks to success.

“Ensuring equitable access and eliminating barriers to credentialed training opportunities is a fundamental pillar of CEJA,” said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. “Climate Works offers training opportunities in the clean energy sector while providing comprehensive funding and support to eliminate hurdles to success. This proven model will help grow Illinois’ diverse and qualified workforce as we build our clean energy future and bolster our economy.”

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. The 548 Foundation will serve the Chicago metropolitan area while HIRE360 will serve the Central and Southern Regions. Centers will recruit, prescreen, and provide pre-apprenticeship skills training, for which participants can attend free of charge, receive a stipend, and access to support services through the Barrier Reduction Program. Approximately $13.6 million has been allocated for the Climate Works Program and Barrier Reduction funding.

In addition to offering the Illinois Climate Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program, 548 will also serve as a CEJA Workforce Hub, serving the southwest and west side of Chicago. A list of grantees that have been selected for CEJA programs thus far can be found here.

People of color, women, and other populations have historically been significantly underrepresented in apprenticeship programs. A pre-apprenticeship helps break down barriers and provide greater access to apprenticeships, which provide a pathway to good-paying long-term careers. The Climate Works model provides nationally recognized credentials, provides funding to cover costs to address barriers, and provides hands-on support that will help program graduates enter an apprenticeship program and lay the foundation for a long-term career in a growing sector.

The program is expected to enroll several hundred pre-apprentices during its first year, with capacity increasing over the course of the program. Climate Works will help participants secure good-paying clean energy careers in construction, installation, maintenance and repair activities after being trained on topics specific to clean energy such as solar PV basics and building energy efficiency.

"We are proud to be chosen to lead the clean energy workforce efforts for the northern region/ChicagoLand,” said AJ Patton, CEO and Founder of 548 Enterprise. “The Governor has been passionate & consistent about making sure local leaders have the resources needed to create the economic opportunities needed to grow a community. " ​ 

“HIRE360 is honored to be one of the organizations selected to run the Climate Works pre-apprenticeship program in Illinois,” said Jay Rowell, Executive Director of HIRE360. “CEJA funding will allow us to expand our workforce development program to cover all 102 of Illinois’ counties, and it will allow us to provide the specialized training that individuals need to enter the green trades and build sustainable careers. Jobs in clean energy are the future for our state.”

“The Fillmore Center is a hub of economic activity in North Lawndale, and we’re proud that it will use sustainable forms of energy in partnership with 548 Foundation to help power the community’s growth,” said Patricia Ford, Executive Director of the Steans Family Foundation, one of several organizations coordinating the Fillmore Center. “We’re grateful for Governor Pritzker’s leadership in helping build the Illinois of the future, where green jobs, a focus on sustainability and the policies to support it make life better for all Illinoisans.”

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