Clean energy transition to spur 75 new entry-level jobs at ComEd this month

According to ComEd, the beginning of September will be spent accepting applications for 75 entry-level overhead helper positions in Illinois as part of a larger, years-long workforce push to address the clean energy transition and maintain system reliability.

“ComEd’s ability to deliver reliable power for 9 million people in our region depends on a skilled workforce that’s ready to take on challenging work to ensure a clean, resilient, and bright future for northern Illinois,” ComEd President and COO Terence Donnelly said. “To support this transition, ComEd is looking no further than our own communities and working to ensure more women and minorities have access to training and opportunities to excel in family sustaining careers in our fast-growing field.”

Though the current hiring wave runs through Sept. 7, the company intends to fill 500 entry-level positions over the next three years. These roles are all craft roles – such as overhead helpers and construction workers – and will provide workers to build and operate the region’s grid. Additionally, ComEd stressed these jobs could lead to full-time union careers as line workers and more.

Training will be provided, although candidates must meet physical and technical requirements for the job. If hired, they will undergo a 12-18 month paid apprenticeship program. Those with previous overhead line experience, climb or trades school training, military service, or skilled trades experience will rank higher in priority for hiring.

“The new clean energy law in Illinois will create exciting opportunities to prepare the grid for new EV technologies and to protect us against climate change – all of which must be powered with the help of the men and women of the electric trades,” Terry McGoldrick, president of IBEW Local 15, said. “Working with ComEd, we are committed to building a diverse talent pipeline to achieve these goals. By expanding access to our apprenticeship training programs, we’re working to invite more job seekers to learn and excel at a skilled trade that will be critical to powering communities, and the economy, for years to come.”