ComEd Program Helps Participant Transition Into New Career

Sasha Simmons recently completed the ComEd Craft Academy program. Photo provided by ComEd.
Sasha Simmons recently completed the ComEd Craft Academy program. Photo provided by ComEd.

ComEd Program Helps Participant Transition Into New Career

By Tia Carol Jones

After more than 10 years in education, Sasha Simmons wanted to transition to a career in the construction and utility fields. As a registered behavioral technician, she worked with children with autism. She decided to participate in ComEd’s Craft Academy because she knew it would be a great steppingstone in her transition and she would be able to learn as much as she possibly could about the construction and utility fields.

Simmons said that in her more than 10 years as a registered behavioral technician, she made important strides in that field and wanted something new that could challenge her. She also wanted to push herself. Simmons is one of 73 participants who recently graduated from the CONSTRUCT Infrastructure Academy and Craft Academy job training program.

Craft Academy is a six-week job training program where nine participants receive training for entry-level trades roles at ComEd. During that training, participants receive instruction on physical tasks including pole climbing, as an overhead helper and construction worker roles. Since Craft Academy began in 2022, 36 people have graduated.

Simmons said that she learned a lot during the six-week program, which included overhead climbing, how to climb electrical poles safely and knot tying, as well as learning about electricity and different currents. During the portion in partnership with the Chicago Urban League, Simmons and the other participants learned resume skills, how to dress professionally and financial literacy.

“Being at ComEd was amazing and learning how to climb and just being exposed to different aspects of the field, honestly, I feel like it has prepared me to get a position at ComEd,” she said. She added that she is also open to working at any other company that is in the construction or electrical field.

Simmons said that if she hadn’t participated in Craft Academy and tried to apply for a role at ComEd, she might not have made it. She said the experience and knowledge that she received from being in the program really made a difference. She said she is grateful that she had the opportunity to participate and complete the program. 

Simmons said that graduating from the program was a high achievement for her. After high school, she didn’t immediately attend college, so graduating from Craft Academy was her first graduation ceremony since completing high school.  Simmons was also the speaker at the graduation ceremony, which she said was an honor. During her speech, Simmons talked about her background, transitioning from education to the construction and utility fields and what she learned, as well as what she took away from the experience that she will use to apply for positions moving forward.

“I was just really proud of myself for accomplishing this, but I’m also very honored and privileged to have been in the Craft Academy.  I got the opportunity to network with people at ComEd and meet the people at the Chicago Urban League. It’s really been an amazing experience,” she said.

Simmons said that she was also proud of her classmates and their ability to stick it out and make it through the program. She said throughout the program, the participants were told that it would take them leaning on each other to complete the program. She said it was true, one of her classmates helped her with the math portion, another classmate kept her accountable and they all encouraged one another. She said that support was important, and she said it embodied what community is all about.

Simmons said programs like the Craft Academy are important for the community. She said that she would encourage other people who are considering participating in the Craft Academy to take advantage of the opportunity. 

“Learn as much as you can, talk to as many people as you can, and take it seriously. This is a privilege and an honor and these people who put their effort and time in, they do it for us so we can get the most out of it and we have to show our appreciation for that,” she said.

For more information about the Craft Academy, visit www.comed.com/safety-community/education/career-training.


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