CLEAN ENERGY-WORKFORCE HUBS

104th Regular Session Introduced by Lakesia Collins

Creates regional Clean Energy-Workforce Hubs to coordinate training, credentials, and employment pathways in Illinois’ clean energy sectors.

Summary of SB 3927 (104th Illinois General Assembly) – CLEAN ENERGY-WORKFORCE HUBS

Purpose and intent

Establishes programs and funding mechanisms to support clean energy workforce development through regional “Clean Energy-Workforce Hubs.”

Aims to align job training, apprenticeship, and employment opportunities with expanding clean energy sectors in Illinois, including sectors such as renewable generation, energy efficiency, and grid modernization.

Key provisions and changes

Creation of Clean Energy-Workforce Hubs as regional entities to coordinate workforce development efforts, training providers, employers, and public agencies.

Allocation of funding to establish and operate the hubs, support job training programs, and facilitate partnerships among community colleges, training organizations, unions, and industry employers.

Development and implementation of pathways for clean energy careers, potentially including apprenticeship models, industry-recognized credentials, and stacking of credentials to advance workers’ careers.

Provisions to track and report outcomes, such as participant enrollment, completion rates, credential attainment, and job placement in the clean energy sector.

Emphasis on equitable access, with attention to historically underserved communities and workers transitioning from fossil fuel industries, to ensure inclusive participation in clean energy opportunities.

Potential integration with other state workforce and economic development initiatives, aligning funding streams and reporting requirements.

Who/what would be affected

Regional workforce development hubs and partner organizations (community colleges, training providers, labor unions, and employers) that participate in hub activities.

Illinois workers seeking training and employment in clean energy sectors, including workers transitioning from fossil fuels.

Employers in the clean energy supply chain seeking a trained workforce and credentialed employees.

State agencies involved in workforce development, economic development, and energy programs that administer funding, oversight, and reporting.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Establishment and operation of regional Clean Energy-Workforce Hubs would be authorized and funded through state processes, with governing rules to be determined by implementing agencies.

Implementation timelines likely involve phased rollout, with initial hub formation, provider partnerships, and pilot training programs, followed by expansion and ongoing evaluation.

Required reporting and accountability measures would track outcomes to assess effectiveness and inform future funding decisions.

Potential impact

Accelerates training and credentialing for Illinois residents in growing clean energy industries.

Helps address workforce shortages in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and grid-related sectors.

Promotes economic opportunity and equitable access by focusing on underserved communities and workers transitioning from conventional energy jobs.

Improves coordination among government, education providers, and industry to streamline pathways from training to gainful employment.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to focus on specific sections (e.g., funding mechanisms, governance structure, or reporting requirements) or compare SB 3927 to related Illinois energy or workforce bills.