JIREH Workforce Solutions solar training program builds careers on Chicago’s Near West Side

Chicago program combines solar workforce skills with life and career support

CHICAGO — A new solar workforce program on Chicago’s Near West Side is preparing adults for jobs in renewable energy while addressing the personal barriers that can keep workers from completing training or holding onto employment. JIREH Workforce Solutions, which opened its training center at 1528 W. Adams St. in the West Loop on April 30, offers a free 12-week course in solar installation, construction and career readiness.

The nonprofit, founded in 2025 by Kynnée Wallace and her husband, Rob Wallace, serves people 18 and older with a high school diploma or equivalency. Its target participants include young adults from low-income communities, veterans and people who have been involved with the criminal justice system.

Wallace, JIREH’s executive director, said the program is designed around more than technical instruction. Students discuss what staff call “limiting beliefs” about their futures, write those beliefs down and burn the papers before identifying beliefs that can help them move forward.

“Technical training alone isn’t enough,” Wallace said, describing an approach intended to help students build confidence, financial stability and long-term employment habits.

Paid training covers solar installation, safety and job readiness

JIREH’s 10,000-square-foot facility includes classrooms, offices and a hands-on training area with solar panels and tools. The five-day-a-week course runs from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and students are paid $13 an hour while enrolled.

The program includes about 450 hours of classroom instruction and practical training. Students learn solar panel installation, basic power-tool use, first aid, CPR and Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards, while working toward industry certifications in installation, construction education and safety.

Each cohort can enroll up to 25 participants, although JIREH anticipates attrition of roughly 20%. Its first group began with 22 students, and 15 graduated in June. As of early August, nine graduates had secured jobs and six others were continuing their searches, according to the organization.

Graduates have moved into work as solar installers, technicians and sales workers with companies including Hammond-based Greentech Renewables, Morton Grove-based Opis Renewables and Chicago’s Fresh Coast Solar. Charles “C.J.” Doyle, 23, said he began installing residential solar systems across Illinois after completing the course and joining Greentech Renewables.

“It’s bigger than solar panels. It prepares you for life,” Doyle said.

Support extends beyond the classroom

JIREH employs instructors for solar and construction skills as well as staff focused on life skills, continuing education and career preparation. The organization also has a licensed therapist. Students can receive help dealing with transportation, food insecurity and housing challenges that might otherwise derail attendance.

Curtis Lawrence of Englewood, who spent eight months in prison before his release in December, graduated with the first cohort and said he was finalizing a job offer. He said staff treated students “like family” and without judgment.

The program maintains strict attendance requirements, allowing no more than three late arrivals or two unexcused absences. Participants must also pass an in-person adult basic education test in reading and math before interviewing with staff. Wallace said math can be a particular obstacle for applicants who have been out of school for years.

JIREH, whose name is described by the organization as meaning “God will provide,” is secular but offers optional Bible study. Its stated values include honesty, personal responsibility and care for others.

Solar hiring outlook remains uncertain, but Illinois demand continues

JIREH receives funding through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity under the Future Energy Jobs Act, along with philanthropic backing from Summit Ridge Energy and the Mark Raeder Forever Foundation.

Wallace said solar employers remain cautious amid changing federal renewable-energy policy, but she expects the need for trained workers to continue as electricity demand grows. Illinois has set a goal of reaching 100% clean energy by 2050 under the state’s Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, creating continuing demand for installers, electricians, technicians and project managers across clean-energy sectors.

For now, JIREH is continuing to place graduates and recruit future cohorts, with staff emphasizing that workforce development must endure beyond changes in energy policy. Several first-cohort graduates remain actively seeking jobs, while the nonprofit continues providing placement and personal-support services.