ComEd, Partners Announce Expanded Summer Job Training for Teens Interested in the Trades

ComEd today joined workforce partners the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago and Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Wisconsin and Metropolitan Chicago in announcing the return of the CONSTRUCT Infrastructure Youth Academy, a paid summer career exposure program for high school students interested in careers in the construction and energy fields. Just in time for youth making their summer plans, the CONSTRUCT Youth Academy is back for its second year, with new locations added across the Chicagoland area, and classes set to begin in both June and July. Interested students are encouraged to apply through YMCA or Goodwill now through May 31.

The program is one example of how ComEd is growing opportunities for local youth and residents to prepare for roles in the fast-growing clean energy sector in Illinois. A recently commissioned study by ComEd, reveals that as many as 150,000 clean energy jobs will arrive in Illinois by 2050.

"ComEd is committed to expanding career pathways for youth across northern Illinois as we work to create a talent pipeline that is needed for the transition to a clean energy future,” said David Perez, executive vice president and COO of ComEd. “In partnership with the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago and Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Wisconsin and Metropolitan Chicago, the CONSTRUCT Youth Academy is growing to reach more youth in more communities with a chance to prepare for fast-growing careers in our field, giving them a chance to play a role in building a stronger future for their community, while earning a good paying wage.”

The CONSTRUCT Youth Academy program caters to area teens interested in learning about the wide range of careers in energy, from entry-level craft positions to roles in STEM, engineering and more. New to the curriculum this year, students will participate in a community service project building dressers for underserved communities using construction skills learned in the program. Students will also get out into the field to study key equipment used to oversee and maintain the grid as part of drone-flying demos; and will meet with company leaders to learn more about ComEd’s vehicle fleet and how it is transitioning to EVs.