ComEd opens new overhead transmission training center

A first of its kind training facility opened its doors under the direction of ComEd this week, extending the possibilities of beginner and refresher training courses for more than 120 of the company’s overhead transmission-focused employees annually in Illinois.

Coursework at the Overhead Transmission Training Center in Sugar Grove, Ill., will span multiple disciplines. It will include crane certifications, live line training, tower rescue training and work with drones, along with practical, on-hands tools training. Students will work at the 65-acre site – about two-thirds of which is currently used for training.

“Our clean energy transformation requires a highly trained energy workforce that receives continuous training on the latest technology to help our women and men deliver the highest quality of service and top-notch reliability to the customers who are counting on us,” Terence Donnelly, president and COO of ComEd, said. “We’re excited to continue the tradition of providing on-site, homegrown training with the addition of a third training facility tailored to the needs of our transmission workforce.”

The site is the third training center at ComEd’s disposal, though the first focused specifically on overhead transmission work. Work on this facility began in 2017. Its completion will complement a recently announced new hiring campaign from the energy company, which seeks to draw in 500 new employees over the next three years, as it dives deeper into the clean energy transition and anticipated growth.