Opportunities

• Ongoing Information Sessions: “First Wednesdays”
  • Location: REF Classroom at HIRE360 located at 2540 S. State St. 
  • Time: 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm. 
  • When: We will meet on the 1st Wednesday of every month. 
  • What: Open format informational sessions to discuss upcoming IL IBEW REF programs and IBEW Opportunities. Anyone seeking detailed information is welcome to attend. The meetup will be structured as an informational session with question & answer. REF past participants are always welcome to drop in and share their stories with new participants or catch up with REF friends. We will begin/end promptly at 5:00 pm/6:00 pm. Please plan accordingly and arrive 10-15 minutes early to find parking, classroom, and check in. 
  • In order to best use our time together, review the following documents prior to attending:
    • Local 134 Apprenticeship Registration Info
    • Local 134 Electrical Apprenticeship Program (A Card Construction)
    • Local 134 Communication Apprenticeship Program (C Card Communication)

• Community Colleges: Credited
  • • Fall 2026 Credited Courses.
    • Registration is Open. It is handled by Triton College. If registering make sure to enroll in the “Renewable Energy Certificate Program” 
      • Triton College
        • The IL IBEW Renewable Energy Fund facilitates daytime courses that may lead to a Certificate and/or associate’s degree in Renewable Energy Technology. Scholarships may be available.
        • Visit Triton Colleges Renewable Energy Technology Certificate for Course Information and Registration. Schedule a time to meet with an academic advisor to register for the program and receive guidance on courses/schedule required for programs.

 

• Community Colleges: Non Credit
  • • Fall 2026 Non-Credit Courses
      • • • Registration has not begun. Please check back here for updates. All registrations are handled by the individual schools. Please direct registration questions to their admissions and registration offices if you have any issues registering.
          • Class dates will be posted here. 
            • City Colleges of Chicago
              • Arturo Velasquez Westside Technical Institute:
                • Visit the Registration Page
                • Search “Photovoltaics” or Enter course code 67702 for “Basic Solar (PV) Photovoltaic Systems”
              • Wilbur Wright College (Humbolt Park Campus):
                • Visit the Registration Page.
                • Search “Photovoltaics” or Enter course code 66364 for “Photovoltaic System Fundamentals with IBEW”
            • Moraine Valley Community College:
              • • Visit the Registration Page. Or call 708.974.2110
                • Search for Course via Course Code Number: MP5-460-200
                • Select Course “MP5-460-200 Solar Workforce Development”.

• Harper College: Short Form Classes
  • Solar Energy Career Exploration: Tuesday, October 13th 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm. Visit the Registration Page. 

• • •