Nexamp, in partnership with the City Colleges of Chicago, has just launched a new fellowship program designed to create opportunities for underserved or underrepresented populations to explore the many rewarding career options in the renewable energy field. The company, which recently announced that its Chicago office would serve as its second national headquarters as it invests more than $2 billion in the region to expand clean energy, is delivering on its commitment to job creation and local impact.
The first class of fellows, including students from Olive-Harvey College and graduates of the Chicago Urban League’s solar jobs training program, began the eight-week program in mid-April and participated in a combination of in-office and on-the-job training. job training in areas such as solar technology, construction, project management, IT, supply chain, safety, inspection, office skills, job interviews and much more. Having already expressed their interest in the field of renewable energy, the fellows will explore a variety of opportunities with the aim of determining which role or industry position of Nexamp they believe best fits and which they would most like to pursue.
“As leaders in the energy transition, we feel a responsibility to ensure that the opportunities created are equally available to everyone,” said Marion Jones, VP workforce development and DEIJ engagement at Nexamp. “Our company was built on the mission of making clean energy simple and accessible, and that includes the jobs created. Giving people interested in this space an opportunity to gain the skills needed for success will benefit the industry as a whole and we are grateful to City Colleges of Chicago for partnering with us.”
Participants will train two days a week for four hours a day at Nexamp’s downtown office, receiving professional development and mentorship from industry leaders while building connections with other fellows. Training includes both classroom time and numerous site visits where fellows will perform typical field tasks. This interactive and highly collaborative program also allows fellows to earn industry-recognized certifications while preparing them for post-fellowship job opportunities through included employment readiness sessions.
“For our students pursuing the Solar Energy Jobs Training program, which focuses on classroom and laboratory activities, the opportunity to step into the day-to-day operations of a leading real-world solar company adds tremendous value. It’s a perfect bridge that helps them apply what they’ve learned and make important connections as they consider where they might fit in the industry,” explains Andrew Wells, VP of workforce development at the Chicago Urban League.
Fellows will receive hourly compensation during the eight-week program and will be prioritized for open positions at Nexamp upon completion. Nexamp will welcome its next cohort in Chicago next month and plans to expand this model to other offices across the country.
For more information about the fellowship program, please email ileep@nexamp.com.
News item from Nexamp
