Program Details

I-CAR’s Illinois Clean Energy Career Pathway Project seeks to connect high school students to clean energy careers within automotive collision repair. I-CAR will deliver our Pre-Apprenticeship program to five Illinois high schools beginning in the 2026-2027 school year. Through this program, students will take I-CAR’s entry-level courses to attain the Electric & Alternative Energy Vehicles Badge, which confers skills and knowledge in safety and service for electric and hybrid vehicles; tools and equipment for high-voltage systems; vehicle intake and preparation for service; and considerations for alternative energy vehicles. Equipped with our industry-recognized certifications, participants will be supported by I-CAR’s social worker in accessing connective services to our network of employers and post-secondary educational institutions across the state. I-CAR’s social worker will also provide immediate supportive services to reduce barriers to retention and completion. To further support students as they begin their clean energy careers, I-CAR will also award toolkits to those who complete the required Electric & Alternative Energy Vehicles Badge. Toolkits comprise a set of tools necessary for an entry-level technician, thereby reducing barriers to access and costs of entry. I-CAR’s partnership with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity has made possible the expansion of I-CAR’s Pre-Apprenticeship program across Illinois high schools and enabled the provision of supportive services and toolkits for participants.  
Since the start of the grant, I-CAR has been conducting initial planning and preparation ahead of the upcoming school year. I-CAR’s social worker has been collaborating with instructors and educators at our partner high schools to provide information about our program. These communications have also included providing program expectations, developing implementation plans, establishing communication and support processes, and ensuring that instructors and organizations are connected with the I-CAR curriculum necessary to deliver the program. This coordination, planning, and development phase will enable I-CAR and our educational partners to support an estimated 95 Pre-Apprentices across five high schools.