Leading Change: Advancing Clean Energy Workforce Solutions through the CEJA Table

Written by Esther Kim

In Q4, the Chicago Jobs Council (CJC)-led CEJA Table took significant steps toward advancing clean energy workforce development across Illinois. As the table’s convener, CJC guided the transition into geographically focused working groups–Chicago South and Chicago West/Southwest. These groups collaborated to streamline the CEJA program workflow, from navigators’ intake to hubs’ bridge programming, clean energy training, and ultimately, employment opportunities.

Through this effort, grantees identified shared challenges and proposed solutions, such as scheduling regular regional partner meetings to align participant services, training schedules, capacity, and employment opportunities. These discussions aim to strengthen the coordination of programs and provide comprehensive support for participants.

CEJA Grantee Table meeting held in the CJC offices and led by CEJA Policy Program Manager Esther Kim

Sweeping federal funding cuts further highlight the necessity of state-funded investments like CEJA. Guided by our mission to drive systemic change and make jobs work for everyone, the CEJA Table remains steadfast in advancing environmental justice and equitable opportunities for Restore, Reinvest, and Renew (R3) communities and Illinoisans facing barriers to economic mobility.

Looking ahead, the CEJA Table will focus on employment strategies, empowering grantees to leverage collective resources and connections to prepare participants for clean energy jobs. A detailed progress report on the CEJA Table’s work will be released in late summer/early fall.