Community solar proprietor and operator Summit Ridge Energy (SRE) is partnering with 548 Enterprise (548), an end-to-end sustainable growth firm, and Ecademy, a clear energy profession faculty and Power52 firm, to develop a Sustainability Hub in West Side Chicago to coach over 10,000 native residents over the subsequent 10 years.
The coaching targets veterans, returning residents and highschool educated residents from underserved communities. Upon completion of the 13-week (450 hours) program, members may have the chance to finish their on-the-job coaching at one in every of SRE’s neighborhood solar initiatives in Cook County, Ill., in addition to different clear energy initiatives all through the state.
“I’m excited to participate in the clean energy job training program with 548, Ecademy, and SRE. The 13-week program will fast-track my career in a fast-growing industry and set me up with a good-paying job for years to come,” says Chris Davis, a program participant and West Side Chicago resident. “The Sustainability Hub will help bring thousands of good-paying jobs to the West Side and I’m proud to be part of it.”
During an occasion held earlier in December in Chicago, 548 and Ecademy introduced their marketing campaign to lift $20 million to help curriculum growth, program assets and credentialing providers for potential clear energy professionals. SRE has dedicated $600,000 in seed capital over the subsequent two years to launch the hassle.
“Our $600,000 commitment recognizes the need to invest in workers on the front lines of the renewable energy transition and demonstrates our company’s mission to expand access to clean technologies,” states Steve Raeder, CEO of SRE. “By empowering hundreds of workers with the tools needed for a successful and fulfilling career in clean energy, we’re also providing a sustainable stimulus to Illinois’ economy.”
“Leading this initiative is a logical next step for 548 as we look to expand our community impact,” provides A.J. Patton, managing associate and CEO of 548 Development. “And ultimately, being able to leverage the expertise of SRE and Ecademy, to advance our mission of investing in underserved communities with renewable energy will let us do just that.”
“We are thrilled to expand our international footprint by bringing clean energy training to historically underserved communities right here in Chicago,” feedback Rob Wallace, president and CEO of Ecademy, and co-founder of Power52. “We look forward to partnering with SRE and 548, to provide clean energy training to prepare our graduates for a green career. Not only will the trainees come from these underserved communities, the graduates will be designing, constructing, and maintaining the solar solutions that will provide clean, renewable, and stable power to their communities. For the community by the community!”
The first cohort of program members will start coaching in January 2023.
