We appreciate the partnerships that have contributed to our ongoing success in 2023. We’re honored to share with you a few of the year’s Economic Development and Workforce Development highlights.

Economic Development

ComEd was named the most reliable electric utility in America at PA Consulting 23rd annual ReliabilityOne Awards due to demonstrated sustained leadership, innovation and achievement in the area of electric reliability.

The Economic Development team worked with county-based economic development organizations to identify more than 150 available development sites and began ranking them based on ability to support large power projects. Major project wins to the area have included data centers, EV manufacturing, distribution, and food processing.

Workforce Development

The Workforce Team continued hallmark programs like CONSTRUCT Infrastructure Academy and launched three new offerings: CONSTRUCT Youth Academy, Power Up Academy, and Take Charge: EV Pre-Apprenticeship Program.

CONSTRUCT Infrastructure Academy
ComEd graduated 69 students and welcomed two new employers. Since inception, the program has served over 800 participants and has had a placement rate over 70%. The next class kicks off February 5th and our workforce partners are currently recruiting. Read a Graduate Story | Learn How to Apply

CONSTRUCT Youth Academy
ComEd partnered with the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago to kick off a unique new program to fosters interest in clean energy jobs. Students are exposed to careers that will help power the clean energy transition in Illinois, including drone pilots, roles maintaining the power grid, work to support the growth of solar development, EVs, and more. Participants also received insight on how the Care Center, External Affairs, and Large Customer Services departments support ComEd customers amid evolving energy needs. The first class graduated 20 students, and the next two cohorts kick off in summer.

Power Up Academy
ComEd and a coalition of employers launched a first-of-its-kind career training program to build a diverse pipeline of technical talent to support the clean energy transition in Illinois. Training through this program will expand opportunities for area men and women to enter in-demand technical roles without requiring a college degree. Partners included Burns & McDonnell, HBK Engineering, KDM Engineering, Milhouse, Primera Engineers, V3 Companies, Revolution Workshop, AutoDesk Foundation, ScaleLIT, and Literacy Chicago. The 15 participants graduated in early December and over 50% have already been offered jobs.

Take Charge: EV Pre-Apprenticeship Program
ComEd and HIRE360 launched a first-of-its-kind program to prepare local residents for careers in the growing electric vehicle (EV) industry in Illinois. The program connects Chicago residents to skills training for construction trades roles that will support the industry's continued growth, including the buildout of EV charging infrastructure across the region. The 17 participants graduated in early November and on their way to a brighter future.