Aurora chosen as local site for state Clean Jobs Workforce Hub; first cohort starts March 3 with 176 hours of training

Kane County staff briefed the committee on the new Clean Jobs Workforce Hub — part of the state’s Climate and Equitable Jobs Act — and said Aurora is one of 13 hub cities selected to host the program.

Austin Dowell described the Aurora hub’s first cohort, which staff said begins March 3 and will run through mid-May. The training is a roughly 176-hour bridge curriculum intended to prepare people for entry-level clean-energy jobs. Dowell said the program includes general construction and safety training, about 44 hours of basic electrical instruction, roughly 40 hours of essential skills (resume writing, mock interviews and financial literacy), and core credentials such as OSHA-10 and CPR/first aid.

Dowell said participants receive $13 per hour for program attendance and are offered supports including childcare, transportation assistance and food support. The hub will connect graduates to internships and on-the-job training; Dowell said the Aurora hub currently has pathways into three roles: solar PV associate, weatherization specialist and HVAC technician, and that College of DuPage is a local partner administering the program.

Committee members raised questions about job availability and long-term career paths. Committee member Greg expressed concern that three initial job pathways may not create sufficient openings if program interest grows rapidly; others noted that weatherization and HVAC roles offer established career ladders. Dowell said the 176 hours are foundational and can be followed by internships and employer-provided on-the-job training to prepare graduates for specific occupations.

Dowell said county staff will promote the hub, publish information through Kane County Connect and invite hub representatives to report back after the first cohort to provide results and lessons learned.