job training

Public input needed on CEJA jobs curriculum and training programs

Karen Long MacLeod Campaign Updates , , , , , , , ,
[Photo: MariaGodfrida-Pixabay2]

Helping the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) become law was CPLC’s most important achievement in 2021.

Now the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) seeks public input on the curriculum to be used in several workforce training programs under CEJA. This process will only be successful if it engages with a diverse group of stakeholders and community members across Illinois.

Here’s how you can help:  

  • Attend a public listening session where you can tell DCEO what you think.
    • Register for Northern Illinois online listening session 1, Monday, October 24, 3–5 pm. 
    • Register for Northern Illinois online listening session 2, Thursday, October 27, 11 am–1 pm. 
  • Complete a feedback survey.
  • Send questions and comments to CEO.CEJA@illinois.gov.

It is critical that we speak out! We want to ensure the curriculum standards that come out of these meetings amplify access to the training. If we do not participate in these meetings, the hub training may not meet our equity expectations, and could easily be defined and awarded to traditional training providers that have not historically met the needs of marginalized communities, students, and workers. 

Talking points

The Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition supports:

  • Standards and curriculum components that increase access for marginalized communities.
  • Approaches that are based in the community and are delivered, supported by, and facilitated by community-led instructors, facilitators, and experts. The students should have instructors that reflect the diversity of state.
  • Instructional techniques that are mindful of traditional barriers that negatively impact performance of marginalized students (in other words, we want programs that address barriers).
  • Approaches that are community-driven and supported by community leaders.
  • Training that is delivered by organizations with proven experience training and placing marginalized workers.
  • Approaches that lead to jobs, access to mentors and capital to complete projects, and access to the hundreds of millions of dollars in solar and energy efficiency incentives for marginalized workers.
  • Approaches that ensure the diversity and access goals associated with training, and job creation are tracked, monitored, and publicly reported.