Joliet Junior College gets $3 million from state to boost clean energy workforce training

Joliet Junior College is the recipient of a grant worth more than $3.08 million from the state of Illinois to implement the Clean Jobs Workforce Network Program.

The grant came from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

This transformative initiative aims to expand training in clean energy-related fields, prioritizing equity-focused populations, according to a news release from the college.

The program, funded annually for the next three years, will provide essential skills and opportunities in the growing clean energy sector, according to the release.

JJC will offer training for electric vehicle assembly technicians, residential energy auditors and more, “ensuring a diverse and skilled workforce ready to meet the demands of the clean energy industry,” according to the release.

The grant will enable JJC “to support students and community members in pursuing careers that drive economic growth and sustainability,” said Ken Santiago, dean of applied arts and workforce education and training at JJC.