Mission Statement

The Illinois IBEW Renewable Energy Fund (REF) is a state-wide, grant-funded workforce development organization that facilitates the Craft Apprenticeship Program authorized under the Illinois Future Energy Jobs Act (FEJA).

The REF works with IBEW Local Unions and their respective Joint Apprenticeship Training Committees, High Schools, Community Colleges, Departments of Correction and Probation, Community-Based Organizations, and other Workforce Development Programs to recruit, train, and provide a pathway toward U.S. Department of Labor Registered Electrical Apprenticeship opportunities to historically underserved, justice-involved, and displaced workers across Illinois. 

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