Name

548 Foundation

Legal name

548 Foundation

Website

https://548foundation.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2019

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Workforce Development and Clean Energy Training

NAICS

Apprenticeship Training (611513), Technical and Trade Schools (6115), Technical and Trade Schools (61151), Other Technical and Trade Schools (611519), Vocational Rehabilitation Services (6243)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Construction - Special Trade Contractors (1700)

akta.pro primary industry

Solar Workforce, Training & Safety Services (Installer Training, Certification, EHS) (EUAMABAO)

akta.pro secondary industries

Renewable Energy Electrical (Solar PV, Wind, Storage) (EDAOABAI), Workforce Development & Continuing Education Divisions (Noncredit) (EDAHADAG)

Keywords

• Solar workforce training
• Clean energy pre-apprenticeship
• Construction trades training
• Nonprofit workforce development
• Green jobs certification

Headquarters

HQ city

Chicago

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Government-Funded Training Programs: 548 Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that operates free training programs funded by state and community funding, corporate partners, and public initiatives. Programs are free for participants, who also receive stipends ($13/hour) during training. The organization participates in Illinois state initiatives including the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) workforce development and the $30 million Illinois solar jobs initiative with Gov. J.B. Pritzker.
2. Employer Recruitment and Placement Services: The foundation operates a free employer partnership program (Hire Our Grads) that connects graduates with construction and solar employers. While the service is free for employers, it drives placement outcomes that validate the program's value to funders and stakeholders.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

548 Foundation delivers free, in-person workforce training programs in solar PV installation, energy efficiency, weatherization, and carpentry pre-apprenticeship, preparing underserved Chicago residents for careers in the clean energy and construction trades. Participants earn industry-recognized certifications (NCCER, OSHA 30, NABCEP) while receiving a $13/hour stipend, wrap-around barrier-reduction services, and direct placement through an employer partner network.

Product overview

548 Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization offering a portfolio of free workforce training programs focused on the green energy and construction sectors. The core offerings include the Clean Jobs Solar PV Training (13-week solar technician program), the Climate Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program (trade career preparation), and the MACRC Partnership Pre-Apprenticeship (combined renewable energy and carpentry pathway). All programs include industry-recognized certifications (NCCER, OSHA 30, NABCEP), paid training stipends, and comprehensive support services. The organization operates as part of 548 Enterprise, launched in 2019, and is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Clean Jobs Solar PV Training A 13-week free training program designed to equip participants with skills and industry-recognized certifications (NCCER Core & Solar PV, OSHA 30, NABCEP Associate) for a career as a solar technician, preparing them for integration into full-time employment in the renewable energy sector.
• Climate Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program A free pre-apprenticeship program equipping participants with skills and certifications for a trade career in energy efficiency, weatherization, and sustainable building practices, preparing them for integration into formal apprenticeships and skilled trades including carpentry and construction.
• MACRC Partnership Pre-Apprenticeship A collaborative 10- to 15-week pre-apprenticeship program combining 548 Foundation's 300- and 450-hour renewable energy training programs with Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council's industry-recognized carpentry apprenticeship curriculum. Graduates earn qualifications to become First Year Apprentices in the MACRC Apprentice Training Program, prioritized for clean energy and renewable energy sector projects.
• Energy Auditor Training Program An energy auditor training program providing NCCER Energy Auditor certification for individuals seeking careers in energy efficiency and building performance.
• Support Services Comprehensive wrap-around support services bundled with all training programs, including housing assistance, financial assistance, life skills coaching (anger management, conflict resolution, time management), job readiness, emotional and mental health support, and ongoing retention support after graduation.

Quantifiable outcome

• Current placement rate exceeds industry averages
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Four partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council (MACRC) Apprentice Training FundcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 March 2025A transformative partnership combining 548 Foundation's 300- and 450-hour renewable energy training programs with MACRC's industry-recognized carpentry apprenticeship curriculum. Participants undergo a 10- to 15-week pre-apprenticeship program including NCCER Core Construction & Solar PV Certifications, OSHA 30 Certification, Construction Boot Camp Training, NABCEP Associate Certification, and Life Skills and Financial Literacy Development. Graduates earn qualifications to become First Year Apprentices in the MACRC Apprentice Training Program, positioning them for long-term careers as union carpenters. The partnership prioritizes placing graduates on clean energy and renewable energy sector projects. Participants receive stipends during the program, mentorship, and job placement assistance. A.J. Patton stated the partnership will 'ripple for decades' and 'uplift and put people on a track to a better quality of life for them and their families, for generations.' Kevin McLaughlin, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of MACRC, noted the partnership will provide opportunities for young people from underserved communities to learn valuable skills and pursue rewarding, family-sustaining careers in the Carpenters Union.
• Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker / State of IllinoiscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024548 Foundation is partnering with Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker on a $30 million initiative to create 1,000 solar jobs in Chicago's South and West side neighborhoods. The foundation is part of Illinois' Clean Energy Workforce & Training Hubs established under the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA), which provides funding for workforce development programs that reduce barriers (transportation, stipends, prep help) and offer hands-on training. This partnership enables 548 Foundation to scale its training operations and connect graduates with the growing solar market fueled by the Illinois Shines program and the federal Inflation Reduction Act.
• Industry Partners (General)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor548 Foundation maintains partnerships with leading solar and construction employers throughout the Chicago area. The organization's 'Hire Our Grads' page states: 'Our graduates are equipped with the skills and certifications employers seek in the renewable energy industry.' The employer network provides direct placement for graduates and ensures curriculum alignment with real workforce needs. Partners include contractors, development companies, roofing firms, and solar companies seeking pre-screened, certified talent.
• 548 Enterprise (Parent Organization)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner548 Foundation is part of 548 Enterprise, a full-service development firm providing comprehensive solutions focused on housing, environmental sustainability, and economic growth in inner cities. 548 Enterprise was formed in 2022 by merging 548 Capital, LLC (investment and underwriting) and 548 Development, LLC (real estate development). The foundation emerged from 548 Capital's mission, when A.J. Patton decided to empower people in underserved areas to build up their own communities rather than just building housing for them. 548 Enterprise includes renewable energy and affordable housing development projects launched in 2019.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Year Up: Large national workforce development nonprofit serving young adults from underserved communities with training and corporate placement; comparable mission and barrier-reduction model at significantly greater scale.
• IBEW Local Union Apprenticeships (NECA/IBEW): National electrical training alliance operating formal apprenticeships; comparable on electrical/solar trades curriculum but operates as a much larger, established union program rather than a community-focused nonprofit.

Direct peers

• Homeboy Industries: Los Angeles-based nonprofit providing wrap-around training and employment for formerly incarcerated and gang-involved individuals; directly comparable on second-chance population and barrier-reduction services.
• GRID Alternatives: National nonprofit providing free solar installation and workforce training in underserved communities, with an explicit job-placement mission closely mirroring 548 Foundation's model.
• Revolution Workshop: Chicago-based nonprofit offering construction trades training and job placement for low-income residents, directly comparable in geography, target population, and trades-based curriculum.
• Per Scholas: National nonprofit offering free technical workforce training with intensive wrap-around support for underemployed adults; shares 548's barrier-reduction and employer-placement model, though focused on IT rather than trades.
• Solar Energy International (SEI): Established solar-specific training provider offering NABCEP-aligned curriculum and certifications; overlaps with 548's renewable-energy curriculum and employer-facing credentialing focus.

Regional players

• Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership: Regional public workforce development entity operating American Job Centers in Chicago; comparable as a Chicago-based workforce intermediary connecting underserved residents to training and employer demand.
• CPL / Chicago Builds (Chicago Public Schools): Chicago-area construction trades training initiative targeting local youth into union careers; comparable on trades-focused, Chicago-anchored workforce pipeline feeding into apprenticeship pathways.
• Midwest Renewable Energy Association: Regional Midwest renewable energy education and training organization; shares 548's renewable-energy curriculum focus and geography but does not specialize in second-chance workforce placement.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/548foundation
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@548foundation
• Facebookfacebook.com/548Foundation
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/548enterprise
• Instagraminstagram.com/548foundation
• TikToktiktok.com/@548foundationss

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about 548 Foundation