News
Illinois Launches Long-Awaited Job-Training Programs in the Clean Energy and Construction Sectors
Not a single new job had come out of Illinois’ 2021 Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, but the state is now investing millions in creating a diverse pipeline of “thousands” of new skilled workers to help it achieve its ambitious clean-energy goals.
By Aydali Campa
Gov. J.B. Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity announced $16 million in funds last week toward clean energy workforce development programs and boosting diversity in the industry.
Related Knowledge Center: ENERGY BASICS: solar
State of Play
Declining costs and government encouragement have resulted in a rapid increase in solar energy production in the United States over the past 10 years, although solar’s share remains small: 1.6 percent of all electricity generation in 2018. That rapid growth is projected to continue.