CEJA Workforce Hub Celebrates 100% Enrollment Across Training Programs
DECATUR, IL—Today, Richland Community College (RCC) and the Illinois Environmental Council (IEC) hosted “Powering Progress: Richland Community College’s Clean Energy Careers in Action” at its Decatur campus. The event highlighted RCC’s Clean Energy Careers program, which provides training and certification for entry-level positions in solar, HVAC, energy efficiency, and electric vehicle maintenance. This program was made possible through the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA), and is well on its way to expanding Illinois’ clean energy workforce while supporting the state’s climate and equity goals.
“RCC’s Clean Energy Careers Program is equipping workers with the skills needed to support Illinois’ clean energy transition, and we’re thrilled to highlight them today,” said Samira Hanessian, Energy Policy Director of the Illinois Environmental Council. “Thanks to the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, Illinois is on track to replace dirty, uneconomic fossil fuel plants with clean energy resources like wind, solar, and energy efficiency by 2050. That transition to clean energy will require and create thousands of jobs to literally build and transform our future, and the workforce training hubs like RCC’s Clean Energy Careers Program are helping to build that booming clean energy economy while prioritizing workers and communities.”
As one of 14 strategic hubs established under CEJA, RCC is a scalable success story. Decatur exemplifies the type of community that CEJA is designed to benefit—it is recognized as both an Environmental Justice (EJ) and R3 community, with a longstanding industrial heritage. The college’s achievements underscore Illinois’ commitment to a responsible transition to 100% carbon-free power while delivering tangible benefits to communities historically impacted by pollution and disinvestment. At the event, attendees heard from industry partners how educational initiatives are seamlessly integrated with industry practices, driving economic growth and job creation in the clean energy sector.
Tamika Thomas, Director of CEJA Programs at RCC, noted, “Our Clean Energy Careers program has made remarkable strides in equipping individuals with the skills needed for the rapidly growing clean energy sector. Today’s tour offers a glimpse into the potential this program holds for transforming the way we train and empower our workers.”
The event highlighted Richland Community College’s success as a CEJA Workforce Training Hub, celebrating the enrollment of their hundredth student across the first three cohorts—each of which has been at full capacity. This milestone was achieved through comprehensive wrap-around services, including an 8-week, free Bridge Essential Skills course. These efforts are further strengthened by partnerships with the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation, Springfield Urban League, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 146, Solutions for Energy Efficient Logistics (SEEL), TCCI Manufacturing, Ameren Illinois, Rivian, and other collaborators. By combining top-tier training with essential support, RCC ensures that students are equipped to excel in Illinois’ expanding clean energy sector.
“The CEJA hubs are a key piece of our strategy to fill high-demand roles in the clean energy sector,” said Diana Fuller, CEJA Division Manager with the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity. “By aligning our training with industry needs, we’re driving Illinois toward its clean energy targets while creating essential job opportunities for communities across the state.”
The Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) is landmark legislation driving Illinois toward 100% clean energy by 2050. It expands energy efficiency and cost-saving opportunities for consumers while creating jobs, particularly in BIPOC, low-income, and environmental justice communities. CEJA’s investment in workforce development makes RCC’s training hub possible, and RCC’s hub is set to help make the state’s clean energy workforce possible.
The Illinois Environmental Council applauds Richland Community College’s work to train the next generation of clean energy workers and remains dedicated to advancing initiatives that will propel Illinois’ clean energy progress.
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About the Illinois Environmental Council
Since 1975, the Illinois Environmental Council (IEC) has worked to safeguard Illinois—its people, its plants and animals, and the natural systems on which all life depends by building power for people and the environment. www.ilenviro.org