• Posted: October 9, 2024
• Beatrice Thompson, Don Finn, Elbert Walters III, Gene Kent, IBEW-NECA Technical Institute (IN-Tech), Illinois 33rd District Representative Marcus Evans, Illinois IBEW Renewable Energy Fund (REF), Joseph Kilcoyne, Marcus Evans, Mark Thomas, Powering Chicago’s apprenticeship program, Tyrese Washington

The Illinois IBEW Renewable Energy Fund (REF) promotes the safe, productive, and sustainable growth of renewable energy systems in Illinois through community partnerships, stakeholder engagement, and educational services. The REF facilitates the Craft Apprenticeship Program to empower and engage the next generation of electricians and renewable energy workers, emphasizing increasing the adoption of renewable energy systems. One of the standout initiatives within this program is the Summer Solar Program, which provides hands-on experience and training standards needed for renewable energy system installation to aspiring workers in the renewable energy field.

On July 30, 2024, the Illinois IBEW Renewable Energy Fund (REF) hosted the 2024 Summer Solar Graduation Ceremony at the IBEW Local 134 Union Hall. Over 70 graduates completed the summer program and began their trainee phase at the IBEW-NECA Technical Institute (IN-TECH) in Alsip on Monday, July 29, 2024.

The Graduation Ceremony started with a “Culmination of Installation Exercise” in the IBEW Local 134 Union Hall parking lot. Following this, the event moved into Memorial Hall, where several guest speakers delivered special presentations. The presenters included the following:

• Joseph Kilcoyne, Business Representative Local 134 and Trainer, IL IBEW REF
• Beatrice Thompson, Business Representative Local 134 and Secretary, IL IBEW REF
• Robert Hattier, Director of Renewable Energy, Local 134 and Exec. Dir. IL IBEW REF
• Don Finn, Business Manager / Financial Secretary, Local 134
• Mark Thomas, ECA Executive Vice President
• The Honorable Marcus Evans, Illinois 33rd District Representative
• LeShawn Sanders, Summer Solar 2023 Graduate and Local 134 apprentice
• Elbert Walters III, Executive Director, Powering Chicago
• Gene Kent, Training Director, IN-TECH
• Tyrese Washington, Summer Solar Graduate

This ceremony celebrated the dedication and hard work of over 70 individuals who completed the Summer Solar Program, a key initiative of the Illinois IBEW Renewable Energy Fund. These graduates now stand at the forefront of Illinois’ renewable energy movement, ready for a more sustainable future, as they begin the next phase of their journey at the IBEW-NECA Technical Institute. Find out more about Powering Chicago’s apprenticeship program.