OAI, Inc. And NICI are Making the South Suburbs a Regional Destination for Training in New Technologies
OAI, Inc. is a nationally recognized pioneer in workforce development with over 40 years of experience training individuals for safe, meaningful employment. The organization’s South Suburban Cook County location serves as a central educational and convening hub for residents, businesses, community groups and municipalities.
OAI’s second Nicor Illinois Community Investment (NICI) grant will support programs at the recently opened Southland Clean Energy Training Center: a regional destination for hands-on training in electric vehicle (EV) technology and job placement. NICI is especially eager to support the range of social, financial and industry-specific skills OAI teaches through its ever-expanding EV charging station installation training and new training track for EV mechanic careers.
“Last year’s grant from Nicor Illinois Community Investment was critical for our Southland Clean Energy Training Center, which draws learners from across the region. We’re thrilled to be able to put our 2025 funding toward cutting-edge programming at our center.”
— Dr. Sandra Dafiaghor, Interim Executive Director