Illinois is among several states leveraging the shift to renewable energy for community benefit. In 2021, Governor JB Pritzker signed the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) to transition the state to 100% clean energy by 2050. Designed in consultation with labor unions and environmental advocates, the law includes stipulations for economic growth, good jobs creation, environmental justice, and economic equity – including $80 million allocated toward workforce training programs annually. 

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) implements the four workforce programs born from this legislation: the Clean Jobs Workforce Network Program (CEJA Workforce Hubs), the Climate Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program, the Energy Transition Navigator Program, and the Returning Resident Clean Jobs Training Program. Each initiative prioritizes training for communities who have experienced environmental harm and economic disinvestment to hasten a clean energy transition where all Illinoisans can thrive.

The Inclusive Economy Lab spoke with representatives from a select number of these workforce organizations operating in the Chicago area. Our team sought to understand their day-to-day realities and elevate the support they might need to implement climate jobs initiatives. We summarize the successful practices, learning opportunities, and calls to action that emerged from these conversations for policy makers and program providers alike.

Climate Jobs Policy Brief