HIRE360, Pivot Energy mark Chicago solar boot camp graduation

HIRE360 and Pivot Energy celebrated 10 graduates of a Chicago solar workforce boot camp after a 240-hour training program funded by Pivot’s $180,000 donation. The partnership is slated to continue in 2027, signaling more clean energy job training for Chicago workers.

Why it matters: - The program is aimed at moving Chicago residents into construction and clean energy jobs. - Pivot Energy’s $180,000 donation helped pay for training that can expand access to union trade careers. - The partnership adds another workforce pipeline at a time when solar and storage projects need trained labor.

What happened: - HIRE360 and Pivot Energy recently celebrated the graduation of Pivot Program Cohort 1 in Chicago. - The ceremony took place July 9 at the HIRE360 Training Center on Chicago’s South Side. - Ten participants completed the Solar Workforce Bootcamp Training Program. - HIRE360 and Pivot Energy co-designed the 240-hour program for the cohort. - Pivot donated $180,000 to fund the training program. - Family members, community and corporate partners, and industry leaders attended the graduation.

The details: - The training combined a 160-hour pre-apprenticeship curriculum approved by North America’s Building Trades Unions with an 80-hour PV Associate Boot Camp. - The PV Associate Boot Camp was developed and delivered by the Midwest Renewable Energy Association, a NABCEP Registered PV Associate training provider. - Participants trained through classes at HIRE360’s Training Center. - The program included hands-on and off-site learning on solar energy systems and clean energy trades. - Graduates were recognized individually during the ceremony. - The event also included remarks from HIRE360 and Pivot Energy Vice President of Development Liz Reddington. - A previous HIRE360 graduate shared a success story during the program. - HIRE360 works to connect people from underrepresented communities to union construction and clean energy trades through workforce training, pre-apprenticeship programs and employer partnerships. - Pivot Energy and HIRE360 plan to continue the workforce training partnership into 2027, with another 10-person cohort planned.

Between the lines: - The program pairs job training with direct employer involvement, which can make placement into trade careers more likely. - HIRE360’s model is built around moving participants from training into union apprenticeship pathways. - Pivot Energy’s support also fits its broader community impact strategy, which includes workforce development. - The ceremony highlights how solar development can be tied to local hiring and training, not just project buildout.

What's next: - HIRE360 and Pivot Energy expect to run another 10-person cohort in 2027. - Graduates are now pursuing careers in the skilled trades. - Pivot Energy will continue its Illinois workforce and community investment efforts through project-related donations and local programs. - More information is available in HIRE360’s announcement and at Pivot Energy’s website.