Chicago program trains residents for solar jobs
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In Chicago, Illinois, the 548 Foundation is training people from underserved communities for jobs in the solar industry.
A.J. Patton founded the foundation after noticing a lack of diversity among workers installing solar panels on affordable housing projects he developed. He and Erica Johnson initially started 548 Capital LLC to create affordable housing and then created the foundation to address the workforce imbalance.
The 548 Foundation provides three-month training sessions in solar installation, electrical work, and carpentry, alongside life and job skills. The program prioritizes residents from the South and West sides of Chicago, many of whom are African American and lower-income. It offers support services like stipends, childcare assistance, and mental health resources to help participants overcome barriers to employment.
As of August 2024, the foundation has trained over 548 people and expects to reach 700 graduates by year’s end, with a 70% graduation rate and a 68% job placement rate within 33 days of completing the program. Graduates are earning an average of $68,000 per year. Illinois state law passed in 2021 supports these efforts by funding workforce development and incentivizing diverse hiring in the solar sector.
The program also connects graduates with trade union apprenticeships, broadening their career options.
