ComEd, HIRE360 Accepting New Applications for Take Charge EV Pre-Apprenticeship Program
26 March 2024 - 3:46AM
Business Wire
Last year’s pilot training program returns to
upskill more local residents for careers in the growing EV industry
in Illinois
ComEd and HIRE360, a nonprofit that connects underserved
minority businesses and communities to jobs in the building trades
across the region, today announced the return of Take Charge: EV
Charging Pre-Apprenticeship program. Piloted last year, the program
was designed to prepare area residents with the skills training for
construction trades roles supporting the growing electric vehicle
(EV) industry in Illinois. Applications are being accepted now
through March 29 at HIRE360Chicago.com/ComEd.
With the state’s Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) targeting
1 million EVs on Illinois roads by 2030, the number of EVs in
ComEd’s service territory continues to grow – with more than 86,000
vehicles driving in northern Illinois today, up from just 17,000 in
2019. The transition to a cleaner energy future in Illinois,
including EVs, is expected to create up to 150,000 jobs by 2050,
according to a recent study.
“ComEd is committed to matching members of the communities we
serve with family sustaining careers supported by the clean energy
transformation in Illinois,” said Melissa Washington, SVP of
customer operations at ComEd. “In partnership with HIRE360, we
are thrilled to deliver pathways to roles supporting Illinois’
growing EV industry, and encourage local residents interested in
new, rewarding trades roles to apply for this training that kicks
off this spring.”
The eight-week program introduces participants to the world of
EVs and green energy, equips them for entry-level roles with
industry certifications like OSHA-10 and CPR, and prepares them for
the required CAST (Construction and Skilled Trades) and IBEW
(International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) exams. New this
year, the program will also offer TradesFutures certifications,
industry certifications preparing participants for full
apprenticeship programs, including: Flagger, Fall Protection,
Rigging Hazard Awareness, and Scaffolding Awareness. Upon
successful completion of the program, participants will receive a
stipend.
Take Charge returns after graduating its inaugural class last
fall, a diverse cohort representing communities across the
Chicagoland area, including 4 women and participants spanning ages
18 to 51.
“We’re proud to prepare community members with the hard and soft
skills training tailored for the exciting careers coming out of the
clean energy space,” said Jay Rowell, executive director for
HIRE360. “Building on the success of last year, we look forward
to working with our partners ComEd and IBEW-134 to connect more
local and underserved residents with the training needed to enter
the growing green energy industry that will have a direct impact on
the future of our communities.”
As more customers make the switch to EVs for their
environmental, health, and savings benefits, keeping pace with the
development of EV charging infrastructure will be key. That’s why
ComEd continues to make significant investments in the equitable
adoption of EVs in northern Illinois, with the latest launch of
residential, public and business rebates for EV make-ready
infrastructure, chargers, and EV fleets – reserving half of all
funds for equity-eligible communities.
“Take Charge opened my eyes to what the future of clean energy
and transportation holds, and the part I could play in it,” said
Susie Fogle, program graduate who now works in ComEd’s business
and customer support department. “I was looking for a career
change that aligned with my passion for environmental stewardship,
and this program gave me the tools to enter a rewarding career path
that is only on the rise.”
The Take Charge: EV Charging Pre-Apprenticeship program is
accepting applications from Illinois residents 18 or older who are
authorized to work in the United States, have a valid driver's
license, possess a GED or high school diploma with a C or better in
high school algebra, and with a desire to seek a construction
job.
This program is one example of the career training programs
ComEd offers in partnership with community-based organizations. As
a result of ComEd’s commitment to connecting more diverse, local
jobseekers to growing clean energy jobs, more than 3,500 residents
benefited from ComEd’s job training and STEM education programs
last year.
For more on ComEd career readiness programs, please visit
www.comed.com/cleanenergyjobs.
About ComEd
ComEd is a unit of Chicago-based Exelon Corporation (NASDAQ:
EXC), a Fortune 250 energy company with approximately 10 million
electricity and natural gas customers – the largest number of
customers in the U.S. ComEd powers the lives of more than 4 million
customers across northern Illinois, or 70 percent of the state's
population. For more information visit ComEd.com, and connect with
the company on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, and YouTube.
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