Aurora to Host New Green Energy Job Training Hub
A new initiative aimed at fostering job growth in the green energy sector is set to launch in Aurora, as the city plans to open a center dedicated to training individuals in sustainable energy skills. This development comes through a partnership with two educational organizations, the College of DuPage and the 548 Foundation.
The Aurora CEJA Workforce Development Hub will be located at 649 S. River St., turning a previously unused city facility into a vibrant center for learning and job training. The College of DuPage and the 548 Foundation, both of which receive state funding for clean energy job training, will finally have a permanent base in Aurora.
Callie Matheny, director of the Aurora CEJA Workforce Hub at the College of DuPage, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration with the city, stating, “We’re excited to say we found an important alliance in the city of Aurora.” She praised the city’s efficient partnership efforts during a launch event.
The center’s funding is drawn from the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, a state law enacted in 2021, that earmarked Aurora as one of 13 locations for such a hub. Kane County Board member Mavis Bates highlighted the importance of the new facility, dubbing it a “big fancy deal” and expressing her excitement at seeing the project come to fruition after years of anticipation.
Though the center has been announced, the Aurora City Council has yet to approve the leases for the College of DuPage and the 548 Foundation to occupy the building. The decision is expected in an upcoming council meeting, with leases slated to begin on February 1 if approved.
Aurora officials are optimistic about the hub’s potential to generate living-wage green energy jobs. Alison Lindburg, the city’s director of sustainability, noted that the economic development department sees sustainability as a key driver of job creation. In Illinois, clean energy jobs surpass the number of positions in fields such as law, web development, and real estate.
Job opportunities could include roles in energy-efficient lighting installation, HVAC system upgrades, energy audits, and the setup of electric vehicle charging stations and solar panels. The hub’s facility will feature a “living laboratory” with practical elements for hands-on student learning.
Matheny emphasized the advantage of having both classroom and workshop spaces in one location, stating, “It’s going to be a game changer.” The College of DuPage plans to run its CEJA Bridge Program from the hub, providing entry-level training in construction and first aid, followed by advanced courses in solar installation and energy auditing.
The 548 Foundation’s program, also hosted at the hub, prepares students for apprenticeships in the Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council, with a focus on construction and solar systems. Founder AJ Patton highlighted the program’s support for students through weekly stipends.
The College of DuPage and the 548 Foundation have distinct focuses, with the former addressing workforce development needs of local employers and the latter aligning with union expectations. Both programs benefit from community engagement facilitated by Goodwill.
Aurora is actively seeking additional partners to expand the CEJA Workforce Development Hub. The initiative aligns with Mayor John Laesch’s vision of fostering a “green collar economy,” which he discussed during his campaign and subsequent inauguration speech. The mayor emphasized the importance of creating living-wage jobs alongside training opportunities.
To encourage the growth of green energy jobs, city officials are considering a Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) financing program. This initiative would allow commercial property owners to secure low-interest loans for energy-efficient upgrades. The ordinance to implement C-PACE and the hub leases are expected to be approved by the Aurora City Council in their next session.
For more information on the College of DuPage program, visit: www.cod.edu/academics/continuing-education/career-professional-training/climate-equitable-jobs.html.
Details on the 548 Foundation’s offerings are available at: 548foundation.org.
Original Story at www.chicagotribune.com