CEJA Workforce Hub celebrates first four graduates of the Energy Auditor Program

College of Lake County (CLC), in partnership with Lake County Workforce Development and The Community Works, is proud to announce the successful completion of the Energy Auditor Program by four participants through the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) Workforce Hub, a grant administered through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. This achievement marks an important step in preparing Lake County residents for in-demand careers in clean energy.

The Energy Auditor Program equips participants with the technical skills and credentials necessary to assess energy use, recommend efficiency improvements and support homeowners and businesses in reducing costs and environmental impact. Graduates of this program are positioned to enter a growing sector where clean energy jobs are projected to increase significantly over the next decade.

In addition to completing the program, all four graduates earned three nationally recognized Building Performance Institute (BPI) credentials: the Building Science Principles (BSP), Building Analyst Technician (BA-T) and Building Analyst Professional (BA-P). These industry-standard certifications validate their knowledge of building science, energy efficiency and home performance testing, positioning them as highly qualified professionals ready to enter the clean energy workforce.

The inaugural class of graduates includes: Udell Rogers, Christopher Berry, Justin Ortiz and Mykhalio Perevalov. Each completer demonstrated persistence and commitment throughout the rigorous training program, guided by Lon Turner, lead instructor for Energy Auditing.

“These four graduates represent the promise of CEJA—empowering individuals with skills that create both career opportunity and community impact,” said Emily Echevarria, manager of workforce initiatives. “With the strong support of Lake County Workforce Development and The Community Works, these participants gained the training and wrap-around services they needed to succeed.”

The CEJA Workforce Hub, based at CLC’s Lakeshore Campus in Waukegan, provides a pathway for residents to access training, barrier-reduction support services, and career connections in clean energy industries such as EV Automotive, HVAC and building and home inspection. The Energy Auditor Program is one of several specialized training opportunities offered through the Hub.

Graduates celebrated their achievement alongside family members, trainers, staff and community partners at a recent recognition event. Local utilities and employers—including Nicor Gas, People’s Gas, North Shore Gas and other clean energy stakeholders—attended to connect with completers and discuss employment opportunities.

This milestone underscores the Hub’s mission, shared by CLC, Lake County Workforce Development and The Community Works, to ensure that Lake County residents have access to the skills and careers that will drive the future of energy.

For more information about the CEJA Workforce Hub and upcoming training opportunities, please visit https://www.lakecountyil.gov/5169/Climate-Equitable-Jobs-Act-CEJA or contact a CEJA coordinator at 847-377-3450.

The CEJA Workforce Programs are funded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) through the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA).