HIRE360 AND COMED CELEBRATE GRADUATES OF THE TAKE CHARGE EV PRE-APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM

15 Graduates Complete Nine-Week Program Preparing Them for Careers in the Skilled Trades
15 participants received certificates of competition during a graduation ceremony. Photo by Alessandra Esquivel at Rise Strategy Group.
15 participants received certificates of competition during a graduation ceremony. Photo by Alessandra Esquivel at Rise Strategy Group.

HIRE360 AND COMED CELEBRATE GRADUATES OF THE TAKE CHARGE EV PRE-APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM 

15 Graduates Complete Nine-Week Program Preparing Them for Careers in the Skilled Trades


HIRE360 and ComEd celebrated 15 graduates of the Take Charge Pre-Apprenticeship program, a nine-week training program that prepares participants for careers in the skilled trades that support electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure.


Held at HIRE360’s Training and Business Development Center, the graduation ceremony brought together Illinois State Senator Robert Peters, graduates, families, workforce and industry partners and program leaders to celebrate this year’s class. The ceremony featured remarks from HIRE360 and ComEd leadership, recognition of each graduate and a celebratory reception.


"Programs like Take Charge EV create opportunities for Illinois residents to gain the training and experience needed for careers in the skilled trades," said Illinois State Senator Robert Peters. "As demand grows for workers supporting electric vehicle infrastructure, programs like this help ensure Illinois has the skilled workforce needed to support that growth while opening doors to rewarding careers for residents across our communities."


Throughout the nine-week program, participants completed classroom instruction and hands-on training in EV charging systems and infrastructure. They also participated in career planning, site tours and networking opportunities while earning OSHA-30 and Electrical Safety Standards certifications designed to prepare them for apprenticeship and employment opportunities in the electrical, automotive and construction trades.


"These graduates put in the work, showed up every day, and pushed through a rigorous program to prepare for the EV Industry,” said Jay Rowell, Executive Director of HIRE360. “We want to thank ComEd for their partnership in making this program possible and for their investment in local talent."

The graduating class is already taking its next steps toward careers in the trades, including graduate speaker Tara Longobardi, who has been accepted to begin classes with IUOE Local 399. As graduates move forward, HIRE360 will continue supporting them as they pursue apprenticeship and employment opportunities, helping build a skilled workforce ready to support major construction, infrastructure and clean energy projects across the region.

“The transition to a cleaner energy future depends on having people with the skills and preparation to do the work,” said Laticia Holbert, Senior Manager of Workforce Development at ComEd. “Take Charge is giving participants meaningful exposure to the industry and a foundation they can carry into the trades, and we’re proud to see this year’s graduates take that next step.”


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