Nicor Gas recognizes graduates of Novice Workforce Training and Employment Program

The Nicor Gas Energy Efficiency Program’s workforce development initiative, the Novice Workforce Training and Employment Program (WTE), has graduated its second cohort. The free seven-week program is designed to provide hands-on training and essential skills to help new workers be successful in the weatherization industry. Additionally, the 12 new grads, who hail from across the Chicagoland area, earned their Building Performance Institute certifications, which are essential to maximizing earning potential in the energy efficiency industry.

"We were taught by industry leaders, earned nationally recognized certifications and developed a deeper understanding of how a home functions as a system - all while being supported by the Nicor Gas team and fellow classmates,” said Onoriode Dugo, of Woodridge, and a graduate of the Novice Workforce Training and Employment Program second cohort. “You get exactly what you put into it and if your goal is to put your best foot forward in the energy efficiency industry, I highly recommend giving it a try."

The Nicor Gas Energy Efficiency Program is dedicated to growing the workforce in the energy and efficiency spaces to further serve customers across the more than 650 communities the company in Northern Illinois. As this cohort graduates, the program looks forward to following their careers, assisting with job placement and contributing to their success.

“We want to provide these graduates with the skills they need, but we also want to be a partner they can rely on,” said Kelly Lena, director of Energy Efficiency Services at Nicor Gas. “Although these graduates were new to the industry, they’ve gained the confidence and earned the certifications that are critical to being successful and we can’t wait to see what they do next.”

For more information about the Nicor Gas Workforce Training and Employment Program, visit nicorgas.com/wte.