Urban Energy Jobs Program

Community Trades & Apprenticeship Program (CTAP)

The Urban Energy Jobs Program is a National Urban League initiative implemented through affiliates across the country, including the Chicago Urban League. Through the Community Trades & Apprenticeship Program (CTAP), participants gain access to equitable pathways leading to registered apprenticeships and high-paying careers in the energy and construction industries.

Our pre-apprenticeship programs are designed to expand access and
reduce barriers for historically underrepresented populations. Participants receive industry-recognized credentials, hands-on training, career coaching, and direct connections to employers, unions, and apprenticeship opportunities.

CTAP currently offers multiple pathways, including Solar PV Installer Training, Electrical Level 1, Core Construction, Construction Site Safety, OSHA 10, and tailored utility-industry training through ComEd’s Construct and Craft Academies. All pathways are designed to prepare participants for careers in the skilled trades while earning industry-recognized credentials that support long-term career growth.

Energy Industry Fundamentals (EIF) 2.0

The Chicago Urban League’s Energy Industry Fundamentals (EIF) 2.0 curriculum, developed by the Center for Energy Workforce Development (CEWD), provides participants with a comprehensive introduction to today’s evolving energy industry. Through interactive instruction, participants explore how energy is generated, transmitted, and delivered while gaining an understanding of emerging technologies, energy efficiency, sustainability, workplace safety, and the wide range of career opportunities available throughout the sector.

EIF 2.0 serves as the foundation for the Chicago Urban League’s Urban Energy Jobs Program and is integrated into our Community Trades & Apprenticeship Program (CTAP), CONSTRUCT, Craft Academy, and Solar Installer/Electrical Level 1 pre-apprenticeship training programs.

By building a strong understanding of the energy industry before occupational training begins, participants are better prepared to pursue registered apprenticeships and high-demand careers in utility infrastructure, clean energy, electrical construction, solar energy, and related fields.

EIF 2.0 may also be offered as a standalone career exploration experience for individuals interested in learning more about opportunities in the rapidly growing energy workforce.

Program Pathways 

Solar PV & Electrical Level 1 Pathway

Hands-On Electrical Training. High-Paying Results. Fueling the Future’s Electrical Infrastructure.

In just 22 weeks, participants can launch a career in the electrical and renewable energy industries through free training, industry-recognized credentials, and direct connections to career opportunities.

Program Overview

The Solar PV & Electrical Level 1 Pathway combines classroom instruction and hands-on lab activities to
prepare participants for entry-level careers in electrical construction, renewable energy, and related trades.

Participants gain foundational knowledge in:

• Core Construction
• Construction Site Safety
• OSHA 10
• Electrical Level 1
• Solar PV Installation
• EV Charging Concepts
• Electrical Circuits
• Electrical Codes
• Pipe Bending
• Industry Best Practices

The training consists of approximately 50% hands-on learning and 50% classroom instruction, creating a
balanced learning experience that prepares participants for real-world job sites.

Program Highlights

10 Weeks

• Core Construction
• Construction Site Safety
• OSHA 10

12 weeks

• Electrical Level 1
• Integrated Solar PV Concepts
• EV Charging Fundamentals

Industry Credentials

• NCCER Core Construction
• NCCER Construction Site Safety
• OSHA 10
• NCCER Electrical Level 1 Modules
• Industry-recognized training hours and credentials

ComEd Construct Academy

The ComEd Construct Academy is a utility-focused pre-apprenticeship pathway designed to prepare participants for careers supporting the electrical utility industry.
Participants receive foundational construction training, career readiness support, industry exposure, and direct connections to utility-sector opportunities.

Potential career pathways include:

• Utility Construction
• Underground Utility Work
• Infrastructure Construction
• Utility Support Operations
• Construction Trades Apprenticeships

Participants earn industry-recognized credentials and gain experience that strengthens applications for union apprenticeships and utility-sector employment.

ComEd Craft Academy

Program Overview

Program Highlights

• CAST Exam Preparation
• OSHA-10 Certification
• CDL Class A Permit
• Career Fair with Industry Employers and Local Unions

Program Details

• Start Date: March through April
• Duration: 6 weeks
• Days: Monday through Friday, 9 am to 1 pm
• Location: Chicago Urban League and the ComED Training Center
• Classes are in-person and virtual
• Laptop required
• Cost: Free

• Age 18 or older
• Birth Certificate
• Social Security Card
• Achieve 11th-grade level scores in Reading Comprehension, Basic and Applied Math on the TABE (Test of Adult Basic Education) test
• Pass a drug test and background check
• Possess a high school diploma or GED
• Hold a valid driver’s license and have reliable transportation
• Completion of the 5-day Success Strategies Workshop (Held M-F, 10 am to 1 pm)

Learn More and Apply Today

Solar PV & Electrical Level 1 Pathway

• Candace Collins
• Career Development Specialist
• Email: cacollins@chiul.org

ComEd Construct & Craft Pathways

• Cathy Wolfolk
• Workforce Coordinator
• Cwoolfolk@chiul.org

Empowering Communities. Transforming Futures.

The Chicago Urban League is committed to creating equitable career pathways that connect participants to
high-demand industries, registered apprenticeships, and family-sustaining careers throughout the energy and construction sectors.

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