woman on a computer in a solar panel yard with windmills

Climate and Equitable Jobs Act Workforce Hub

house with solar panels, windmill and electric car charging

The Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) Workforce Hub Program, funded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), aims to provide trainings for clean energy jobs with a goal of phasing out carbon emissions from the energy and transportation sectors. The CEJA Bridge Program offers a comprehensive range of benefits designed to remove barriers and set you on the path to a rewarding career.

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CEJA Aurora Workforce Hub Bridge Training 

The CEJA Aurora Workforce Hub is offering free skills-based training to prepare Aurora residents for future job opportunities beginning in March 2025.

Quad County Urban League
1875 Farnsworth Ave., Aurora
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

We Support Your Success

We are committed to removing barriers so you can achieve your career goals:

  • All qualified CEJA participants are eligible to receive $13 for each hour of training. This allows for students to focus on their careers.
  • Participants will also have access to essential support services including childcare, transportation assistance, food support, and more, helping students stay focused on their learning.

CEJA Bridge Training Program

The CEJA training includes certifications in OSHA 10, CPR/First Aid, and NCCER Core Construction, with a total program duration of 176 hours.

An overview of what Clean Energy is and what skill sets will be needed into the future.

Earn:

  • OSHA 10 Hour Certification, preparing students with vital workplace safety information.
  • CPR/First Aid Certification, offering basic first aid and CPR skills in emergency situations.

Earn NCCER® Core Construction Certification learning these important skills:

  • Construction Math
  • Introduction to Hand and Power Tools
  • Introduction to Blueprint Reading
  • Materials Handling
  • 44 hours of basic electrical content will be provided
  • 40 hours of essential life skills to best prepare students for the working work, including:
  • Communication Skills
  • Resume Writing and Preparedness
  • Mock Interviews
  • Financial Literacy

Community Based Partners

Goodwill Logo

Kane County Sheriff Logo

Quad Country Urban League logo

Post-Bridge Training Options

After completing your certifications within Bridge training, you can "choose your adventure" by moving into work-based learning or select more advanced job-specific trainings.  

Work-Based Learning 

Students can opt to transition directly into employer-based learning opportunities, providing for greater hands-on experiences. CEJA staff will continue to work with students individually for up to a year to assist in securing long-term employment.

Work-based learning may include:

  • Career awareness activities
  • Career exploration activities
  • Workplace experience (hands-on work experience at a work site, supervised by an employer

Advanced Job Training

Gain advanced job training in high-demand clean energy careers.

Upon completion of training, participants will obtain basic knowledge related to the design, sales, installation, and operation of Photovoltaic Systems and will be prepared to take the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) PV Associate Exam. This program will provide sufficient technical and practical knowledge to be prepared for employment opportunities in Solar Photovoltaic system installation, design, or sales.

  • 80 hours of training
  • NABCEP PV Associate Certification

Job Pathways

  • Solar Photovoltaic System Installer
  • Solar Photovoltaic System Site Evaluator/Designer
  • Solar Photovoltaic System Sales Representative

Career Progression

  • Solar PV Sales Representative and Site Assessor
  • Solar PV Crew Chief
  • Solar PV Project Manager
  • PV System Inspector
  • Solar Field Technician
  • Solar Project Developer

Prerequisites

Before beginning technical training, participants should:

  • Be comfortable working in elevated spaces such as rooftops
  • Be comfortable using hand and power tools and managing materials
  • Be comfortable working in teams and individually
  • Possess good communication skills
  • Be capable of working 6-8 hours per day in the field (with occasional overtime)
  • Have at least an eighth-grade math level and reading level (tutoring/instruction should be provided to help people meet this requirement, if needed)
  • Be able to use computers/tablets to communicate with clients and perform basic calculations
  • Have OSHA 10 certification (provided in Bridge training)

Learn to identify areas of energy loss and how to install the best possible solutions. Upon completion of the train (BPI) exam certifications and be prepared for entry-level weatherization work.

  • 168 hours
  • HHP, BSP and ALCI Certifications

Job Roles

  • Weatherization installation technician
  • Weatherization marketing & sales
  • Construction laborer with a retrofit focus

Career Progression

  •  Weatherization installation supervisor
  • Weatherization crew leader
  • Weatherization field trainer

Participants Should

  •  Be comfortable in confined spaces
  • Be comfortable using basic tools 
  • Be comfortable working in teams
  • Be capable of working 6-8 hours per day in the field (with occasional overtime)
  • Have at least a sixth-grade math level
  • Be able to use computers/tablets to perform basic calculations
  • Be able to work in all types of housing stock in most weather conditions
  • Contact a student support advisor for more information.
  • Contact a student support advisor for more information.

Employer Partnerships

Sun n' Us logo

Nicor Gas logo

Contact Information

Callie Matheny, Director, CEJA Aurora Workforce Hub
Continuing Education/Extended Learning
Email: mathenyc456@cod.edu
(630) 942-3715

Rebecca Bahr, Recruitment & Transition Manager, CEJA Aurora Workforce Hub
Continuing Education/Extended Learning
(630) 942-3714
Email: bahrr@cod.edu

Funding provided in whole or in part by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity through the Illinois Clean Jobs Workforce Network Program (20 ILCS 730/5-20) and the Energy Transition Barrier Reduction Program (20 ILCS 730/5-30), as specified by the Energy Transition Act as part of the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, PA 102-662 ("Climate and Equitable Jobs Act" or "CEJA")."