CEJA Workforce Program

The CEJA (Climate & Equitable Jobs Act) Workforce Hubs program aims to create a qualified, diverse pipeline of workers prepared for careers in clean energy by providing FREE training in clean energy pathways, wrap around services, and employment readiness.

Eligibility

CEJA serves individuals 18+, prioritizing those in R3 or Environmental Justice communities—areas impacted by pollution, economic hardship, or underinvestment. Displaced energy workers, foster care members/graduates, and individuals facing other employment barriers may also be eligible.

Check out our map to see if you live in an R3 or Environmental Justice Community:

CEJA MAP

Interested in Clean Energy? Start Here

Follow the steps below to start your pathway to clean energy

  1. Complete our Prescreening Application

    Following completion of Prescreening Application, someone from the CEJA team will be in contact within 2 business days to discuss initial eligibility and register you for an available information session

    Prescreening Application

  2. Attend an Information Session

    You will be contacted by a CEJA team member to register/complete a CEJA Program information session detailing eligibility process, program options, and training outcomes.

  3. Register for Basic Skills Exam

    Work with CEJA team member following the information session to complete CASAS basic skills testing 

  4. Meet With Your Career Planner

    After completing required steps, you will meet with a career planner to determine final steps of eligibility and registration for the CEJA Workforce Hub Programs

CEJA Bridge Program

Begin your pathway to clean energy with the FREE CEJA bridge training program and gain certifications in OSHA 10, CPR, and learn from the NCCER Core Construction curriculum. Topics include:

  • Essential Employability Skills
  • Introduction to Sustainability and Clean Energy Careers
  • Electrical Basics
  • Building Energy Basics
  • Construction Basics

Job-Specific Training Pathways

Following the completion of the CEJA Bridge Program, have the opportunity to continue your training with the following job-specific clean energy training options:

  • EV Charging Station Installation and Maintenance Technician

    The course is designed to provide the skills needed for the technician entering the specialized field of plug-in hybrid and electric vehicle service equipment. The seminar will emphasize safety and the use of specialized equipment. Classroom presentations and lab activities will prepare the student to apply the acquired knowledge in a growing and ever-changing industry.

    Career Outlook

    • Installation/Maintenance Technician
    • Repair Technician
    • Technician Supervisor

  • Electric Vehicle Technician

    This course is an overview of hybrid and electric vehicle systems. Terminology, safety, theory, and the operation of high voltage systems, batteries, charging systems, drivetrain components and emission systems are covered. Inspection and diagnosis of hybrid and electric vehicles using specialized tools are included.

    Career Progression:
    • Apprentice
    • Journeyman
    • Master Diagnostician 

  • Energy Auditing

    This course focuses on the basic skills needed to properly assess building performance in a hands-on and classroom environment. Individuals who go through the BPI training will obtain certifications that will enable them to secure employment in the building weatherization and energy efficiency fields.

    Career Outlook

    • Energy Auditor
    • Equipment Installers
    • Estimator
    • Insulation Technician

  • Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVAC/R)

    Find more information on the HVAC/R Program here: 

    HVAC Program | HVAC Training | Joliet Junior College

  • Solar PV (Kankakee Community College)

    Introduction to Solar PV

    This is a spring only course where students learn about what is PV, how it works, how it is sized and how it is integrated into existing electrical infrastructure. The class is a combination of half lecture, half hands-on. During the hands-on training students will assemble, wire and commission a grid tied solar electric system. Students in this course learn array string sizing, array layout, load calculations, conductor sizing, pipe sizing and crimp connections. 

    At the conclusion of this course, students are qualified to sit for the NABCEP Associates Exam.

    Find more information on the course here: Solar-Photovoltaic Technology | Kankakee Community College

    *This is a CEJA-approved training, students enrolled in this course must travel to Kankakee Community College to attend training*
     

Supporting Your Success

We are here to remove barriers that stand in the way of your career goals. The CEJA Workforce Program helps minimize or eliminate non-academic and academic barriers to participation.

  • Earn While You Learn

    All CEJA participants will receive a stipend of $13/hour per instructional hour. This includes hours in class, construction lab, or makeup hours. This allows participants to focus on their training and career pathway. 

  • Supportive Services

    Based on need, CEJA participants will have access to wrap around and transition support services including transportation assistance, childcare, food support, and more to allow for an equitable opportunity to complete training and transition into employment.

  • Work-Based Learning and Employment

    CEJA allows students to participant in work-based learning experiences, allowing you to gain hands-on experience and awareness in your field of interest. 

    Transition and employment supports are also available. Let us help you find sustainable employment!

The CEJA Workforce Hubs Program is funded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) through the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA).