The Chicago workforce ecosystem faces a critical obstacle: it lacks a responsive, people-centered framework that effectively connects education, training, partnerships, and employers to deliver measurable impact through a growing job pipeline. Despite strong clean energy and infrastructure goals under Illinois’ CEJA, gaps remain in aligning businesses, government, and educational institutions to create sustainable career pathways, close diversity gaps, and build long-term capacity for underrepresented communities. Without stronger collaboration and more intentional systems that go beyond transactional diversity requirements, Chicago risks missing opportunities to maximize job creation, support equitable participation in the clean energy transition, and ensure that the region’s workforce keeps pace with infrastructure and climate goals.

Inspiration for this event: Executive Summary: February 20th AEG Chicago 25Q1 Stakeholder Challenge: Critical Infrastructure + Workforce — Advanced Energy Group

We created the following to address this problem:

From April 6–10, 2026, Chicago will host a week-long series of events connecting job-seekers, employers, and industry leaders in the growing clean energy sector. The week features an Agency Day (April 7) with public agencies and programs, Employer Day (April 8) highlighting hiring needs and opportunities, and a Talent Focus & Job Fair (April 9) to connect participants directly with open positions, training pathways, and career resources. This collaborative effort brings together community organizations, workforce programs, and clean energy employers to grow local talent and build a diverse, skilled workforce for Chicago’s clean energy future.

Current Schedule of Events:

Additional events can be hosted/added to this agenda. Reach out below if you have any suggestions or want to setup your own event.

April 7th Agency Day (10a-5p)

• Connect with and learn from workforce development agencies training the new energy workforce

• Join an ecosystem of employers, wrap-around services, and workforce trainers.

April 8th Employer Focused Day (10a-5p)

• Engage with a pipeline of work-ready employees

• Recruit from qualified talent

• Boost employer brand visibility

• Build networks with local candidates.

April 9th Talent Day/Job Fair (10a-5p)

• Onsite interviews

• Resume reviews

• Learn about job opportunities and needed skills from energy employers

Any questions/inquiries can be directed to chicagocleanenergyworkforceweek@thecarbonleague.org