2.2 Workforce Development

Stakeholders:Blue Island residents, Local training institutions, Blue Island Marketing Department & Public Works Department

Timeline: 1-5 years

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

Introduction

This strategic energy plan increases the presence of the green technology industry in Blue Island. It is imperative that Blue Island provide workforce development opportunities for Blue Islanders to increase local employment in this industry. This effort will maximize the positive economic impact of the energy plan in Blue Island.

There is likely to be an increase in solar panels in Blue Island because of the several projects proposed in this plan. Therefore, Blue Island should focus on providing workforce development opportunities that lead to a North American

Board of Certified Energy Practitioners certification.

There are two possible workforce development programs which can stand alone or complement each other:

1. Blue Island Goes Solar

2. Solar Specialists Scholarship

Possible Training Organizations

Midwest Renewable Energy Association Grow Solar Millennium Solar Electric Solar Training National Latino Education Institute OAI Lyte Solar Program

Blue Island will create partnerships with several local institutions that prepare students for accreditation. The Blue Island Marketing Department will complete a community outreach effort to let the community learn about the opportunities available to them. Blue Island can also communicate with residents via paper flyers, social media, and at community meetings or events.

These partnerships will culminate in a fair where prospective students can learn about the different training programs. This fair could be opened to neighboring communities, as well, offering regional cooperation.

As Blue Island will only be forming relationships, the cost of this policy proposal is likely negligible, amounting to the cost of community outreach. However, Blue Island can pursue sponsorship from prominent employers, training institutions, non-profit organizations, or government agencies.

2.2.2 The Solar Specialists Scholarship

Blue Island will work with neighboring municipalities and educational institutions to build a program to help residents who may face barriers to access training otherwise receive a North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners certification. Possible neighboring municipalities for partnership are Alsip and Calumet City.

The Solar Specialists Scholarship includes:

• Scholarship that covers the cost of attending classes and taking the certification exam. • Transportation voucher • Daycare voucher (if applicable) • Opportunity to apply to a

Blue Island Apprenticeship

Program with Public Works (for Blue Island residents only)

Blue Island Apprenticeship Program

Experience is equally as important as certification. Blue Island’s Public Works Department will create a 6-month apprenticeship program for Scholars from Blue Island that receive a certificate.

This apprenticeship program not only helps scholars increase their employment opportunities,

but it will also provide Public Works the necessary support to manage the solar panels installed on municipal property.

Initially, this apprenticeship program can only accommodate a few Scholars. However, as solar panel installation on municipal buildings expands and a municipal microgrid is established, the program’s capacity will increase.

Implementation

Solar Panel Installer from Bloomberg, 2013

Since this will be a partnership between several municipalities, it is appropriate to select a nonprofit through a competitive process as a grant administrator. The grant administrator would be tasked to process student applications, manage transportation and daycare vouchers, and serve as a liaison between students, the municipalities, and prospective employers.

Funding the Scholarship

There are several grants that the municipality can apply for, including at the state level through DCEO and at the federal level through the Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration. Creating a partnership with an institution and the fact that the program is regional increases the likelihood of successful grant funding.

Under FEJA, ComEd provides grants for solar workforce training.

There are legislations in both the state of Illinois and U.S. Congress that are looking to increase funding for workforce development in this area, so Blue Island can expect several funding opportunities in the coming years.

CONCLUSION

Blue Island’s transition to cleaner energy includes adjusting its economic model to prioritize green energy goals. The city has the opportunity to introduce a new energy system in the form of a microgrid to promote the use of renewable energy. Municipal buildings and homes will benefit from switching to solar energy while the city implements wind turbines and a solar farm alongside building exteriors and bridges. Additionally, by capitalizing on its COD site and freight network, the city will offer residents job opportunities within the transportation, manufacturing, and logistics sectors. An increased presence of the green technology industry in the city will be key in delivering a positive economic impact for local businesses and residents. The city of Blue Island will create an economy that reduces environmental risks and develops in a sustainable manner without sacrificing the needs of future generations or its surrounding environment.