Since 2018, the Ameren Illinois Energy Efficiency program has funded summer internships with their network of small contractors and non-profits working in the energy efficiency industry. This workforce development program has matched several entry-level candidates with employers in need of talent in the areas of HVAC, customer service, and more.
A group shot from the 2019 internship program.
Due to COVID-19, many participating employers were not in a position to bring on new staff as their focus shifted to adapting their business and retaining their existing staff. Ameren Illinois partnered with the Greater Peoria Economic Development Council to adapt as well, creating an alternative offering in the span of a few weeks to provide staffing grants to those businesses focused on retention. Because of GPEDC’s technical support and expertise, 20 employers are now successfully launching their participation in this 12 week program, with a mix of interns and existing staff.
Ameren Illinois will continue to support the businesses throughout the summer with educational webinars and resources. To learn more about Ameren Illinois Energy Efficiency and workforce development, visit AmerenIllinoisSavings.com/Jobs.
This article was brought to you through a collaboration with a valued community partner:
Angie Ostaszewski, MBA
Ameren Illinois
Adviser, Energy Efficiency
E: AOstaszewski@ameren.com
Brent Baker
Greater Peoria Economic Development Council
Director of Workforce Solutions
E: bbaker@greaterpeoriaedc.org
2019 Ameren Illinois Energy Efficiency Internship Recap from Ameren Illinois on Vimeo.