OAI Clean Energy Career Pathway 2026-2027

Gotion Illinois, a leading battery manufacturer and a major investor in Illinois' growing clean energy economy, is offering high school students an exciting opportunity to explore careers in advanced manufacturing, battery technology, engineering, and the rapidly expanding clean energy industry. The program combines online technical education, hands-on industry exposure, paid work experience, and international learning opportunities to help students develop valuable skills and prepare for future careers.

Beginning in January, participating students will have access to online manufacturing courses through SME Tooling U, including training that prepares them to earn the nationally recognized Certified Manufacturing Associate (CMfgA) credential. Students will learn essential concepts in manufacturing processes, workplace safety, quality control, production systems, and modern industrial technologies. During the school year, students will also participate in organized job-shadowing visits to Gotion's Illinois manufacturing facility, where they can meet industry professionals, observe advanced manufacturing operations, and explore career opportunities in engineering, maintenance, production, quality assurance, logistics, and business operations.

During the summer, eligible students will have the opportunity to apply for a 10-week paid internship program that combines practical workplace experience with additional technical training and career development. Interns will work alongside Gotion professionals, participate in supervised projects, gain exposure to battery manufacturing technologies, and develop important workplace skills, including teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and professional responsibility. The program will be developed in collaboration with regional education and workforce partners, including Kankakee Community College (KCC) and OAI Workforce Solutions, to provide students with additional instruction, career guidance, and support.

A particularly exciting component of the summer program is a proposed two-week educational exchange to China, where selected students will have the opportunity to visit Gotion's headquarters, research and development facilities, advanced battery manufacturing operations, and educational institutions. This international experience will introduce students to global manufacturing practices, emerging battery technologies, and the international supply chains supporting electric vehicles and energy storage systems. Students will also experience Chinese culture and develop a broader understanding of the global clean energy economy. The exchange is subject to final program arrangements and approvals.

Through this comprehensive program, students will have opportunities to earn industry-recognized credentials, gain paid professional experience, build relationships with employers, and explore pathways to college, apprenticeships, technical training, and future employment. Gotion's goal is to create a strong pipeline of local talent while helping young people discover rewarding careers in advanced manufacturing and clean energy technologies.

The program represents an important investment in the next generation of Illinois' workforce, connecting high school education with real-world industry experience and the rapidly evolving technologies that will shape the future of transportation, energy storage, and manufacturing.