ECC/ComEd Energy Efficiency Cohort Builds Skills for the Workforce

Almost near the end of an eight-week energy efficiency training program at Elgin Community College (ECC), participants are gaining more than technical knowledge. They’re building communication skills, earning industry credentials, and preparing to take their next steps into the workforce. 

The Energy Efficiency Newcomer Training Cohort, a collaboration between ECC and ComEd’s Market Development Initiative (MDI), began July 13 and runs through September 4. Participants receive hands-on training and professional development while earning $17.50 per hour and receiving access to transportation assistance and other wraparound services. Participants who complete the required exams can also earn three Building Performance Institute certifications. 

During the first few weeks of the program,  they received training in areas such as air gap testing, public speaking, and first aid. Many participants said they were initially interested in the program because they were interested in working at ComEd in general or a similar company.

“I always considered going to work for ComEd,” said participant Brian Rathod. “You hear it's a great company to get into for a long-term career, with great benefits. I never knew an avenue for getting into said field. All of my background is either medical or logistics management.”

Rathod previously worked as a machine operator and an emergency medical technician (EMT). 

Participant Austin Marmolejo had also considered a career with ComEd and previously interviewed for a construction position. He found the MDI program through an advertisement on LinkedIn. 

Now that he’s in the program, Marmolejo is grateful for the wraparound support ECC and ComEd have provided, including employment assistance and gaining soft skills like resume writing and public speaking. 

“Whether it's staying after to talk about something that interests me or maybe just staying after to get help on something else, everybody here is willing to help, so that’s been very nice,” Marmolejo said. 

The cohort has also heard from guest speakers on skills that can help them succeed in the workplace, including public speaking.  

“I think communication skills are good no matter what career you’re in,” Rathod said. “It solves anything and everything. It can solve almost any problem before it turns into something disastrous. If you’re actively listening, it can solve a lot of problems.” 

For participant David Griffin, the cohort builds on training he had already begun at ECC. Griffin is enrolled in ECC’s pre-apprenticeship program and recently earned his forklift certification. He learned about the energy efficiency cohort while working with ECC Apprenticeship Coordinator  Vanessa Thede. 

Throughout the first couple of weeks of classes, Griffin has learned more about himself and others. 

“I believe what they are doing is definitely helping us to be more social, to create more opportunities for ourselves, and to become more helpful,” Griffin said. “I would say I got the necessary tools to continue to grow.”