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Explore Stable, High-Earning Careers in a Growing Sector
Richland Community College offers comprehensive training programs designed to prepare you for a rewarding career in clean energy. Our programs provide the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in this expanding industry, ensuring a bright and sustainable future.
Support for Success and Benefits
We are committed to your success and provide robust support to help you achieve your goals. Our Clean Energy Careers Bridge Program offers a comprehensive range of benefits designed to remove barriers and set you on the path to a rewarding career.
Earn While You Learn
Receive a $13/hr scholarship to alleviate financial concerns, allowing you to focus on your education and career goals.
Comprehensive Support Services
Access essential wrap-around services, including childcare, financial aid, tutoring, food pantry access, transportation assistance, and more. These services ensure that your needs are met, so you can concentrate on your studies.
Employer Partnerships
Connect with leading employers like IBEW Local 146, SEEL, TCCI Manufacturing, Ameren IL, and others. Benefit from job-specific training, job placement assistance, and work-based learning opportunities upon program completion.
Room to Grow
Fast-track your career in the clean energy sector, where you’ll find high earning potential and numerous opportunities for advancement.
Bridge Program
Our 8-week essential skills Bridge Program kickstarts your clean energy career. This FREE program provides foundational knowledge and hands-on experience to set you on the path to success.
Bridge Program Modules
- Focus on job readiness and life skills, including goal setting, time management,
and dependability. - Develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability to excel in dynamic
work environments. - Emphasize workplace communication (verbal, written, digital), customer service,
and understanding workplace diversity and inclusion. - Incorporate financial literacy and knowledge of workplace rights.
- Introduction to the history, status, and opportunities within the clean energy sector.
- Foundational knowledge of energy forms, sources, and how they are utilized in various sectors.
- Coverage of safety, construction, electrical, and building energy basics essential for clean energy jobs.
- Training in essential mathematical functions required for clean energy jobs, including basic operations and conversion calculations.
- Practical application of construction math, focusing on ruler reading and measurements.
- Development of skills necessary to perform accurate job-related calculations in clean energy and construction fields.
- Comprehensive coverage of occupational health and safety guidelines, ensuring adherence to regulations.
- Detailed instruction on maintaining safety standards across various job sites.
- Preparation for OSHA 30 certification, equipping participants with vital knowledge for workplace safety.
- Instruction in administering CPR and providing basic first aid in emergency situations.
- Hands-on practice to build confidence and competency in life-saving techniques.
- Certifications that are highly valued and often required by employers in the clean energy and construction industries.
Clean Energy Pathways
Solar PV Installation
- Program Length: 80 hours over 2 weeks
- Jobs: Solar PV Installer, Construction Wireman, Inside Wireman Apprentice
- Career Progression: Apprentice, journeyman electrician, electrical foreman, project manager/estimator
- Employer Partnerships: IBEW, various regional solar projects
- Modules:
- Energy and Electricity Generation
- Mathematics for the Trades
- Electricity Essentials
- Electrical Tools
- Focus on Solar Energy
- Photovoltaic Cells and Photoelectric Effect
- Components of Photovoltaic Systems
- Residential and Commercial Electricity Use
- Photovoltaic System Sizing and Utility Connection
- Site Selection for Photovoltaic Systems
- Certification: Illinois IBEW Renewable Energy Fund Certification
EV/Hybrid Technology
- Program Length: 270 hours over 16 weeks
- Jobs: EV/Hybrid Technician, Professional Technician, Master Technician
- Career Progression: EV/Hybrid Technician, Professional Technician, Master Technician
- Employer Partnerships: Bob Ridings, Crown Toyota, Jackson Ford, Rivian Motors
- Modules:
- Basic Automotive Theory
- Automotive Electrical Systems
- EV/Hybrid Vehicle Overview
- Certification: ASE standards, Richland’s EV/Hybrid Technician Certificate
HVAC
- Program Length: 180 hours over 16 weeks
- Jobs: Residential HVAC Installer
- Career Progression: Residential Installer, Residential Technician, Commercial Installer, Commercial Technician
- Employer Partnerships: TCCI Manufacturing, Tica, Air King, King Lar, Design-Air
- Modules:
- Refrigeration Fundamentals
- HVAC/R Installation
- Electricity Fundamentals
- Certification: EPA 608 Certificate
Home Energy Auditing
- Program Length: 200 hours over 16 weeks
- Jobs: Energy Auditor, Weatherization Assessor
- Career Progression: Energy auditor, energy specialist, project manager, subject matter expert
- Employer Partnerships: Ameren Illinois Energy Efficiency Portfolio (over 40 employer partners)
- Modules:
- Building Science Principles
- Building Analyst Technician
- Building Analyst Professional
- SEEL Auzmor Virtual Energy Efficiency Coursework
- Certification:
- BPI Building Science Principles Certification
- BPI Building Analyst Technician Certification
- BPI Building Analyst Professional Certification
Register for an upcoming informational session.
Future of Clean Energy Careers
Join us for an informational session to learn more about our programs, meet our instructors, and start your journey towards a clean energy career.
Contact Our Team
Tamika Thomas
Director, CEJA ProgramsExternal Relations
Center for Sustainability and Innovation (CSI), J220
(217) 875-7200, Ext. 6221