Prepare for a successful career in the energy industry with these job-training programs.
A collaborative approach connects determined people and companies.
CONSTRUCT is an 11-week training program offering up the information and guidance needed to compete for good-paying, entry-level field and office jobs in construction-related fields.
It is designed to address the need to increase the pool of qualified minority candidates for construction jobs in Illinois by strengthening job readiness and life skills and preparing for industry-required testing that is often a prerequisite for employment. The program includes job shadowing to give candidates an up-close look at the various career paths available.
CONSTRUCT is powered by an alliance of companies, social service agencies and labor unions that is committed to removing barriers for individuals interested in the construction industry. Construction crews can—and should—be reflective of the diversity present in the communities where they work. CONSTRUCT is designed to build a stronger and more diverse workforce for construction-related jobs in Illinois. The program also provides opportunities for you to connect directly with partner companies through training sessions, panels and career fairs.
The agencies, using experienced trainers, run the classes at their facilities, provide individual job counseling and guidance, and work with students on job placement opportunities. Entry-level job opportunities can include truck drivers, transporter, foreman, customer service representative, lineman, designer, electric apprentice, and more.
Led by ComEd, the participating companies include:
To learn more, contact one of the social service agencies:
Please contact us for any questions: WorkforceDevelopment@ComEd.com or download our CONSTRUCT Infrastructure Academy (pdf) brochure.
CONSTRUCT is part of CareerPower, the ComEd set of jobs initiatives.
Training prepares you with the skills for employment.
The Overhead Electrical Line Workers (OELW) program at Dawson Technical School is a 5-6 month program that prepares students for employment with a public utility, private electrical distribution contractor or cable company.
Training includes pole climbing, electrical theory, overhead distribution construction, general education courses, construction safety and rescue including OSHA 10-Hour Construction Worker Safety, Flagger and CPR certification. ComEd partnered with Kennedy King College to build this program in 2007, and since then the program has granted certificates of competition to over 277 students. ComEd has hired over 56% of the graduates of the program.
The City Colleges of Chicago Website contains detailed course and certificate information and applications.
City Colleges
Growing diverse businesses in the energy efficiency field.
At the end of the program, diverse contractors will be eligible to apply to the EESP network, and once accepted into the network, provide ComEd Energy Efficiency incentives to customers and grow their businesses through the successful completion of energy efficiency projects.
To be eligible, a contractor must meet the following requirements:
Please contact us for additional information or with any questions: WorkforceDevelopment@ComEd.com.
The Diverse EESP Incubator Program is part of CareerPower, a ComEd jobs initiatives.
The pilot program will deliver trades programming at four Chicago Catholic high schools.
Beginning in Fall of 2022, ComEd, in partnership with local education and philanthropic organizations, will deliver the new Powering Our Future skilled trades and STEM training program. In a first of its kind program, ComEd will pilot a $450,000 investment to deliver trades programming at four Chicago Catholic high schools in the Big Shoulders network, including two all-girls academies. Students will have the opportunity to participate in immersive programming that combines STEM academics in the classroom, with real-world experiences, training and mentoring provided by ComEd experts in the field.
The program will launch at the following four schools:
Students and families enrolled in the four Powering Our Future pilot schools are encouraged to work with local school staff and guidance counselors to learn more about how the program complements their student's education plans.
Take an interactive field trip to ComEd's training centers.
ComEd offers field trips to two interactive education centers, located within view of its area training centers. Adult learners and community groups can learn about the history and science of electricity, how energy relates to their daily lives, ways to save energy and better manage their energy use, and the benefits of the smart grid. Each field trip is 90 minutes long.
Explore the story of electricity and learn how energy is changing to improve the way we work and play – all with a chance to interact with real line personnel in training!
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Engage in a state-of-the-art, interactive experience and discover how the future of smart energy is in motion right now across northern Illinois.
A collaboration of industry employers, cooperatives, educators and government partners.
The Illinois Energy Workforce Consortium is a collaboration of industry employers, cooperatives, educators and government partners. The goal of our consortium is to assist in developing a pipeline of qualified candidates for energy industry jobs within the state of Illinois through education and career awareness initiatives. Join us for Careers in Energy Week, held each October.
Learn More
Teachers, students and those interested in learning more about careers in energy can visit the following websites for more information:
Download our Workforce Development Fact Sheet (pdf) to see how we are revamping our recruiting, hiring and training processes, strengthening our focus on hiring local talent and partnering with community organization, labor union and companies throughout northern Illinois.
