07/26/2024

2024 Illinois IBEW Renewable Energy Fund’s Summer Solar Graduation

Program was held at the Local Union #134 IBEW Hall in Chicago.

2024 Illinois IBEW Renewable Energy Fund’s Summer Solar Graduation
July 26, 2024 - Local Union #134 IBEW Hall

The Illinois IBEW Renewable Energy Fund (REF) had their 2024 Summer Solar Graduation Ceremony at the Local Union #134 IBEW Union Hall in Chicago on Friday July 30, 2024. This summer’s program had 70+ graduates that are going to continue on with additional training as they will all participate with the Trainee program at the IBEW-NECA Technical Institute (INTECH) in Alsip, beginning Monday, July 29, 2024. It is anticipated that many will continue into the apprenticeship program.

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, in partnership with ComEd, has developed a Craft Apprenticeship Program to empower and engage the next generation of electricians and renewable energy workers with an emphasis on and goal to increase the adoption of renewable energy systems. Partner organizations, community colleges, high and junior high schools will have the opportunity to offer specific job training to individuals who then can apply and enter into IBEW apprenticeship programs throughout the State of Illinois.

In order to address all of the stakeholders in the renewable energy industry, the REF facilitates trainings for electrical and building inspectors, elected officials, firefighters/first responders, contractors, developers, educators and the general public.

The Graduation Ceremony began with a “Culmination of Installation Exercise” that was held in the Local Union #134 IBEW Hall’s parking lot. The program continued inside Memorial Hall, as numerous guest speakers made 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 33^rd District Representative
• LeShawn Sanders, Summer Solar 2023 Graduate and Local 134 apprentice
• Elbert Walters, Executive Director, Powering Chicago
• Gene Kent, Training Director, INTECH
• Tyrese Washington, Summer Solar Graduate

We thank all of the instructors and supporters, as well as the students’ efforts to make this a continued success. We also thank Patrick Regan, President, Crossroads Solar and Alberto Rocha, Rocha Electric Company, for their efforts throughout the program. Congratulations, graduates!

Above is the preparation for the "Culmination of Installation Exercise."

Above is the near completion of the "Culmination of Installation Exercise."

Pictured is Joseph Kilcoyne, Business Representative Local 134 and Trainer, IL IBEW REF,
as he began the ceremony.

Pictured at the podium is Don Finn, Business Manager / Financial Secretary, Local 134.

Pictured at the podium is Mark Thomas, ECA Executive Vice President.

Pictured at the podium is The Honorable Marcus Evans, Illinois 33^rd District Representative.

Pictured at the podium is LeShawn Sanders, Summer Solar 2023 Graduate and Local 134 apprentice.

Pictured at the Podium is Tyrese Washington, Summer Solar Graduate.

Pictured above is Elbert Walters, III, Powering Chicago Executive Director.

Pictured at the podium is Robert Hattier, Director of Renewable Energy, Local 134 and Exec. Dir. IL IBEW REF

Pictured above is Beatrice Thompson, Business Representative Local 134 and Secretary, IL IBEW REF.

Pictured above are the graduates lining up to receive their Certificates.

Pictured above is the first Graduate to receive the Certificate.