ComEd, alongside workforce partners and community members, recently celebrated the graduation of the latest cohort from Power Up Academy, a career training program designed to break down barriers for local residents pursuing engineering-related careers. At the event, City Colleges of Chicago and ComEd announced the program’s accreditation, enabling participants to earn up to 13 college credit hours during their 14-week training—a significant step toward advancing their educational and professional journeys.
“Power Up Academy is ensuring our diverse communities gain access to good-paying jobs in engineering and related professions,” said Mark Baranek, ComEd’s Senior Vice President of Technical Services. “As Illinois transitions to clean energy, developing skilled, diverse talent is essential to modernizing the grid and maintaining reliability for the 9 million people who depend on us.”
The partnership with City Colleges of Chicago reflects a shared commitment to equipping residents with the tools needed to succeed in high-demand careers. “This collaboration provides participants, particularly underrepresented women and students of color, with the opportunity to earn college credits while receiving technical training,” said Dr. Webb Walker, President of Kennedy-King College.
Expanding Opportunities in the Energy Sector
The program’s newest graduates include a diverse class of nine individuals from across Chicago, all of whom have completed the intensive training. With energy sector jobs expected to grow significantly—potentially adding 150,000 roles in Illinois by 2050—ComEd’s initiative supports career pathways in engineering and technical services critical to this transition.
Power Up Academy, launched last year, is a partnership between ComEd, workforce agencies, and engineering firms to create accessible routes into technical roles, bypassing traditional barriers like a required college degree. The program boasts an impressive 80% job placement rate, with graduates often hired by ComEd or partner companies such as Primera and HBK Engineering.
Eric Bergstrom, President of HBK Engineering, emphasized the importance of these initiatives. “Programs like Power Up Academy are bringing talented individuals into the industry, helping us prepare for a future driven by renewable and efficient energy technologies.”
Comprehensive Training and Lifelong Impact
Participants gain expertise in areas such as industry operations, project management, and AutoCAD, a key qualification for technical roles. The addition of college credit hours provides graduates a head start on earning degrees, facilitating both career entry and advancement.
Manny Rodriguez, Executive Director of Revolution Workshop, highlighted the program’s transformative effect. “Offering college credits boosts participants’ confidence to pursue further education and promotions, setting them up for long-term success.”
Nearly 90% of the recent graduates identify as people of color, and almost 80% are women, reflecting the program’s dedication to fostering diversity. Alumni like Kala Wheeler, now an associate engineering design technician at ComEd, are already making strides in the field. “Power Up Academy gave me the tools and direction to thrive in a career where my work directly impacts my community,” said Wheeler.
Looking Ahead
The next Power Up Academy cohort will begin in fall 2024, with details available on ComEd’s social media channels and website. The program is part of ComEd’s broader commitment to workforce development, which last year engaged over 2,000 residents through job training, apprenticeships, and STEM initiatives.
For more information on Power Up Academy and other career readiness programs, visit ComEd.com/CleanEnergyJobs.
