Illinois Awards $2.3M to Train Southern Illinois Residents for Clean Energy Jobs

Man-Tra-Con Corporation to operate free workforce training hub through state's Climate and Equitable Jobs Act

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity has awarded Man-Tra-Con Corporation $2,347,608 to operate a free clean energy workforce training hub serving 19 Southern Illinois counties. The funding comes through the state's Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, which is investing in workforce training as the clean energy industry grows. Man-Tra-Con's first training cohort, a 16-week solar installation program based in Harrisburg, is now underway with plans to train 130 residents in year one.

Why it matters

This program aims to ensure Southern Illinois residents are the ones building the clean energy future, rather than having the work go to out-of-state crews. It's designed to provide training and support services to help residents who have faced barriers to traditional job programs, including parents, young adults, and those re-entering the workforce.

The details

The program provides free training, industry certifications, and job placement support for 12 months after graduation. Participants also receive a stipend of up to $13 per hour of instruction. Man-Tra-Con has been connecting Southern Illinois residents with jobs and job training for nearly 50 years and consistently places more than three-quarters of participants in employment.

  • The first 16-week solar installation training cohort is now underway in Harrisburg.
  • Additional training cohorts at locations throughout the region will be announced in the coming months.

The players

Man-Tra-Con Corporation

A workforce development organization that has been connecting Southern Illinois residents with jobs and job training for nearly 50 years.

Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO)

The state agency that awarded the $2.3 million in funding to Man-Tra-Con through the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act.

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What’s next

Additional training cohorts at locations throughout the Southern Illinois region will be announced in the coming months.

The takeaway

This program demonstrates how state-level investments in clean energy workforce development can create opportunities for local residents, especially those who have faced barriers to traditional job training programs. By providing free training, support services, and job placement assistance, Man-Tra-Con is helping to ensure Southern Illinois is prepared to participate in the growing clean energy economy.