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, and Employer Day (April 8), highlighting hiring needs and opportunities. 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.

Main Schedule of Events:

Additional events can be hosted/added to this agenda.

Reach out below if you have any suggestions or want to set up your own event.‍ ‍

April 7th Agency Day (10a-3p) @ ComEd

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

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

• Bringing together solution providers to bridge key gaps in the Chicagoland workforce ecosystem

April 8th Employer Focused Day (10a-5p) @ Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance

• Get up-to-date information on the current clean energy job market and pipeline in Chicagoland

• Understand effective employee transitions, upskilling, and apprenticeship programs

• Explore the current skill gaps in the clean energy ecosystem

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