548 Foundation’s Training Program Shines following its Fourth Cohort’s Graduation

Summit Ridge Energy and 548 Foundation: Transforming lives through comprehensive clean energy training

18 motivated individuals and their families at the 548 Foundation’s fourth cohort graduation ceremony

This past quarter, our partner organization, the 548 Foundation, made significant strides in advancing workforce development in the clean energy sector. This period saw the Solar Energy Career Day followed by the graduation of 18 motivated individuals as part of the foundation’s fourth cohort —creating a vibrant and unified class determined to foster personal and professional growth for minority, low-income, and environmental justice communities.

During the program’s admissions/enrollment process, participants underwent TABE Testing (Grades 11 and 12) and barrier reduction assessments

David Mason, Project Manager at SRE (left), sharing industry insights with a 548 Foundation participant at the Solar Energy Career Day

Another notable success this quarter was the two grants awarded to the foundation: The Climate Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program and the DCEO CEJA Clean Jobs Network Hub Program. The infusion of these grants aims to empower the 548 Foundation to prepare participants for meaningful careers in clean energy and to bring the program closer to its goal of training at least 500 individuals in the upcoming year at its Aurora, Elgin, and Chicago facilities.

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker (center) announced a new Climate Works investment of $30 million for clean energy jobs on Chicago’s South and West sides last month. (CBS Chicago)

The Climate Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program, born out of the Illinois Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA), is tailored to forge a competent, diverse workforce ready to embark on careers within the clean energy sphere. It offers comprehensive training and job-preparation services, ensuring graduates are well-positioned to enter U.S. Department of Labor-sanctioned apprenticeship tracks in the construction and building sectors. Likewise, the Illinois Clean Jobs Workforce Network Program, also facilitated by CEJA, focuses on building a workforce adept in clean energy technologies.

A.J. Patton, Managing Partner and CEO of 548 Development (right) congratulates a program participant

Mark Raeder, Principal at SRE (left) and Rob Wallace, President & CEO of Ecademy, and Co-Founder of Power52 (right), delivering remarks during the ceremony

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