The Climate Jobs Institute recently developed a clean energy workforce mapping tool, in collaboration with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Opportunity (DCEO) and the Smart Energy Design Assistance Center (SEDAC). This tool supports organizations who are growing the clean energy workforce, including the organizations delivering the newly-launched Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) workforce training programs.
The tool may also be useful for city and regional planners, policy makers, clean energy businesses, union labor, environmental advocacy organizations, workforce agencies, and others seeking to grow the clean energy workforce in Illinois.
The interactive map identifies clean energy workforce programs, employers, target communities, training programs, and investments, with the goal of building connections to grow the clean energy workforce.
Below are a few ways the tool can be used.
Identify Target Communities
CEJA programs prioritize Environmental Justice (EJ) communities and Restore. Reinvest. Renew (R3) communities for clean energy funding, project development, and program participation. Communities impacted by coal plant and mine closures are also prioritized. Organizations delivering the CEJA programs can use the mapping tool to guide outreach and recruitment efforts in these communities.
Engage with Clean Energy Employers and Apprenticeship Programs
The CEJA workforce programs aim to prepare people for clean energy jobs and apprenticeship training. The CEJA mapping tool identifies apprenticeship programs and clean energy businesses to facilitate job placement and on-the-job training opportunities. The mapping tool can also identify workforce gaps—areas where investments in clean energy businesses and apprenticeship training may be especially needed.
Connect to Clean Energy Workforce, Education, and Training Programs
The tool shows the location of newly established CEJA and FEJA workforce training programs. We identify other clean energy training programs at community colleges, universities, unions, and vocational schools throughout Illinois. Organizations can utilize this tool to direct people to training opportunities or to coordinate training efforts. Employers can reach out to these training programs to recruit job candidates.
