For immediate release
Contact: Wanda Heard, Sr. Public Relations and Advocacy Manager
GRID Alternatives
510. 877.5795
October 18, 2024, Oakland, California—GRID Alternatives and trusted community partner Elevate will host the RE+ Midwest Clean Energy Job Fair in Chicago, Illinois, on Thursday, November 7th, 10 am—1 pm CST at Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk Hotel, located at 301 E North Water St, Chicago, ILL 60611. The Clean Energy Job Fair will bring diverse job seekers with industry expertise and transferable skills and the region's best solar and clean energy employers under one roof to connect and learn about all that the booming Midwest Clean Energy industry has to offer! Employers will meet, interview, and hire multi-level skilled job seekers during the job fair.
GRID Alternatives hosts this job fair to foster an accessible, diverse, and inclusive transition to clean energy. This event is in conjunction with RE+ Events' more significant efforts to support a strong, equitable solar industry and their commitment to ensuring that every person has a place in the future of the renewable energy industry.
"GRID appreciates the initiative taken by RE+ to build a diverse industry and is proud to work with trusted community partner Elevate on this event," said Adewale Ogunbadejo, GRID's Vice President of Workforce Development. "Increasing the clean energy workforce in a way that addresses equity is incredibly important as we work to bring renewable energy solutions to the communities we serve. This job fair allows employers and job seekers alike to learn, connect, and engage about green career opportunities as the sector works to expand and strengthen the workforce and our local economies."
The solar industry has been increasing for years, and the passage of the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act is leading to a transformative expansion of the clean energy sector. It has been reported that the solar industry could employ more than one million Americans by 2030. According to the Interstate Renewable Energy CouCouncil'sREC) 2023 National Solar Job Census, as of December 2023, there were 279,447, marking a 5.9% increase from 2022, with 15,564 jobs added. To ensure a just transition to clean energy, it is critical that the solar industry is diverse and representative of all communities, especially those that can most benefit from clean energy solutions.
"Building collaboration with partners is essential to foster and strengthen communities that strive to be a part of the clean energy industry. We are proud to host the Clean Energy Job Fair with GRID Alternatives and create opportunities for job seekers to learn more about how we prepare tomorrow's workforces," said Elevate CEO Dr. Anne Evens.
Job fair attendees will learn about many different types of clean energy jobs and green career opportunities, including Installation, Design, Permitting, Project Management and Scheduling, Human Resources, Electricians, Logistics Coordinators, Mechanical and Electrical Engineers, CAD Drafters, Data Analysts, and more! The job fair is free to all job seekers and will provide a dedicated space for clean energy companies, industry employers, and other stakeholders to engage and connect.
To inquire about an employer table or sponsorships, please contact Theresa Renee at recruitgrid@gridalternatives.
About GRID Alternatives
GRID Alternatives is an international, U.S.-based 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that builds community-powered solutions to advance economic and environmental justice through renewable energy. GRID works in the U.S., Mexico, Nepal, and Nicaragua and has installed solar photovoltaic systems on more than 29,500 homes and affordable housing developments in underserved communities while providing more than 33,200 individuals with workforce development training. GRID also provides clean mobility solutions and battery storage and is a leading voice in low-income solar policy development in the U.S. Installation Basics Training (IBT), a competency-based certificate program designed to develop the skills most relevant to entry-level solar installation jobs and related construction employment fields. Trainees learn solar installation skills, OSHA 10 safety standards, first aid and CPR, and soft skills, including interpersonal communication and dependability, to help job trainees obtain and sustain employment.
About Elevate https://www.elevatenp.
Elevate is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that works nationally and is headquartered in Chicago. Elevate seeks to create a just and equitable world in which everyone has clean and affordable heat, power, and water in their homes and communities — no matter who they are or where they live. Our programs, policy agenda, and partners reflect this commitment. Making the benefits and services of the clean energy economy accessible to everyone is how we fight climate change while supporting equity. We design and implement programs that reduce costs, protect people and the environment, and ensure the benefits of clean and efficient energy use reach those who need it most.
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