Nicor Gas and College of DuPage expand energy efficiency workforce development program to reach income-eligible, minority communities

NAPERVILLE, Ill. – Nov. 1, 2024 - In partnership with College of DuPage, Nicor Gas is announcing an energy efficiency workforce development program to advance employment opportunities in the clean energy industry across underserved, income-eligible communities in Northern Illinois.

A limited pilot of the program will launch this month with full program rollout in 2025, where students will receive full-time, paid training that includes classroom instruction on weatherization and energy efficiency improvements, as well as topics in building science and healthy housing principles. Students will also receive hands-on training for how a home operates and the skills needed to solve common problems homeowners may face when weatherizing a home.

“As the largest natural gas provider in Illinois, we are thrilled to collaborate with College of DuPage to bridge the energy efficiency workforce development gap across our communities, while fostering development and promoting economic sustainability for our neighbors,” said Wendell Dallas, president and CEO of Nicor Gas. “When we work together, we have the ability to reach more communities and more hardworking individuals with the education and skills they need to open doors to promising career paths in an exciting and growing industry.” 

While the program is open to all qualified applicants, the Nicor Gas Energy Efficiency Program and College of DuPage are committed to supporting individuals from underrepresented and marginalized communities.

"Working with a prominent institution like College of DuPage allows us to not only expand our state's workforce but also provide essential resources to communities that have historically lacked access to core energy efficiency services,” added Dallas. “With the clean energy future on the horizon, the projected career need for energy efficiency experts is significant, making this partnership even more crucial."

To ensure students can focus on being successful in the program and enhance their career development, the Nicor Gas Energy Efficiency Program and College of DuPage are proud to provide wraparound services to each program participant including an hourly wage replacement stipend, weekly transportation and childcare assistance, daily hot meals, mental health resources, financial literacy, tutoring and professional development resources.

“Through this collaboration with Nicor Gas, College of DuPage will create training and educational programs that will lay the foundation for growth industries like clean energy,” said College of DuPage Interim President Dr. Christine Hammond. “Fostering partnerships with regional employers, service providers and other colleges and universities is central to the college’s strategic mission to educate, enrich and empower our communities for success.”

The program will be funded by the Nicor Gas Energy Efficiency Program and College of DuPage, along with the support of local community-based organizations and nonprofit partners.

Since 2023, the Nicor Gas Workforce Training and Employment Program has provided paid education, job training and career placement to individuals in the energy efficiency industry across its service territory.

To learn more about the program and to apply, visit nicorgas.com/codwte.

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About Nicor Gas
Nicor Gas is one of four natural gas distribution companies of Southern Company Gas, a wholly owned subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO). Nicor Gas serves more than 2.3 million customers in a service territory that encompasses most of the northern third of Illinois, excluding the city of Chicago. For more information, visit nicorgas.com.

About Southern Company Gas
Southern Company Gas is a wholly owned subsidiary of Atlanta-based Southern Company (NYSE:SO), America’s premier energy company. Southern Company Gas serves approximately 4.4 million natural gas utility customers through its regulated distribution companies in four states and more than 600,000 retail customers through its companies that market natural gas. Other nonutility businesses include investments in interstate pipelines, asset management for natural gas wholesale customers and ownership and operation of natural gas storage facilities.

Media Contact:
Nicole Frett
nfrett@southern.com