11 veterans and reservists obtain skills necessary to compete for jobs in growing energy-efficiency industry

This Veteran’s Day, 11 veterans and reservists were among the 13 participants graduating from ComEd’s latest Market Development Initiative (MDI) training cohort. Launched in early 2024, MDI provides five weeks of immersive training to help individuals obtain the skills necessary to compete for jobs in the energy-efficiency industry.

“Veterans bring a distinct skill set and perspective to the workplace,” said Laticia Holbert, ComEd’s senior manager of workforce development, ComEd. “Their ability to problem-solve under pressure, collaborate across multiple teams, and lead with discipline and purpose aligns seamlessly with the demands of our industry and the future of clean energy. This cohort exemplifies the kind of talent we aim to cultivate through our programs.”

Participants study building science principles, healthy housing standards, and practical techniques such as air sealing, insulation, and mold remediation. Upon completion, graduates earn industry-recognized certifications that qualify them for roles including energy auditor, retrofit installer, and building performance technician. These positions offer competitive pay and long-term career potential in a rapidly growing field.

“JBJBusinessGroup is proud to support ComEd in the training and development of reservists and veterans returning to civilian life,” said Jerry Bell, president of JBJBusinessGroup, one of several veteran-owned businesses who helped source candidates for the MDI cohort. “Programs like ComEd’s MDI provide opportunities for those looking to break into the energy-efficiency sector, including veterans, reservists and veteran-owned businesses.”

Since its inception over one year ago, ComEd’s MDI program has successfully graduated over 130 participants who come from a wide range of backgrounds. Education and certification are offered to individuals from various experience levels and backgrounds, focusing on areas that support the energy efficiency industry, including:

• air sealing;
• mold identification and remediation;
• proper ventilation; and

• understanding how homes function as systems to improve energy efficiency.

All training is provided at no cost to participants. Depending on the course, participants may be eligible for a weekly stipend, daily meals, and assistance with transportation. Additionally, ComEd’s MDI enlists the support of over a dozen community-based organizations who serve as local navigators to recruit and connect job seekers and firms to training opportunities provided through the initiative.

The skills and tools provided by MDI assist families and businesses throughout northern Illinois in leveraging the benefits of ComEd’s award-winning Energy Efficiency Program, which includes services, rebates, and discounts to help customers manage energy usage and reduce bills.

Since its start in 2008, the ComEd Energy Efficiency program has supported hundreds of thousands of families and businesses in saving a total of over $12 billion on energy bills and more than 103 million megawatt-hours of electricity. Additionally, the program has contributed to reducing over 77 billion pounds of carbon emissions that contribute to climate change. This is the equivalent of removing 8.2 million cars from the road for one year or planting more than 35 million acres of trees.

For an in-depth look into MDI and how individuals, businesses, and entrepreneurs can apply and contribute to expanding the energy landscape, visit ComEd.com/MDI.

ComEd is a unit of Chicago-based Exelon Corporation (NASDAQ: EXC), a Fortune 200 company and one of the nation’s largest utility companies, serving more than 10.7 million electricity and natural gas customers. ComEd powers the lives of more than 4 million customers across northern Illinois, or 70 percent of the state's population. For more information visit ComEd.com, and connect with the company on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, and YouTube.

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