Asianay Johnson, practicing working overhead.
Asianay Johnson recently completed basic training in ComEd’s overhead electrical apprenticeship to become a line worker. Though she’s only just beginning her career, her ties to ComEd run deep. Her father, Leejohn Johnson, an Overhead Electrical Specialist, first joined ComEd in 2013 a year after graduating as part of the inaugural class of what is known today as the CONSTRUCT Infrastructure Academy – ComEd’s premier trades training program designed to introduce and prepare local residents for entry-level trades roles in the construction and utility fields.
“As I started thinking about a future career, I considered following a path to ComEd, starting with CONSTRUCT, because I saw what it did for my dad,” said Asianay. “I joined and graduated from the program last year, and now I’m here loving every step of the way of this life-changing process.”
But Asianay wasn’t alone as she kicked off the start of a career in the utilities. Her older sister, Anaya Johnson joined and graduated from CONSTRUCT alongside Asianay. The program provided Anaya with industry certifications that helped her land a job as a Utility Locator at HBK Engineering, a Chicago-based engineering, design, and construction management firm that sponsors the workforce development program and also works with ComEd’s project management teams to deliver key construction projects.
Anaya Johnson working as a Utility Locator.
“Participating in CONSTRUCT opened my mind to the construction field,” said Anaya. “It was amazing to see behind the curtain and how much work, time, and dedication it takes to build and maintain our great city of Chicago and beyond.”
For their father, Leejohn, it was exciting to see his daughters graduate from the same program that opened doors for him over ten years ago and land not just jobs, but careers in a growing field.
“It was a proud moment,” Leejohn said. “There are plenty of opportunities for both Asianay and Anaya to pursue in construction and energy, and I expect them to work hard, be safe, and be great. I’m also here to act as a resource if they ever have any questions.”
Participating in the same program and working in similar fields have brought the father and daughters closer together. Leejohn shares, “I finally have people in the family who understand what I’m talking about when I talk about work. Communication is easier, we’re relating on a different level, and it’s made for a tighter bond.”
Anaya agrees, “Now that we’ve been in my dad’s shoes, we have a better idea of what his day is like and the steps he has to take to stay safe like donning his fire-resistant clothes, steel-toe boots, and hard hat. We have a newfound respect for the difficult and hazardous work he does to help keep the lights on.”
Through the expansion of CONSTRUCT and other workforce training programs, ComEd is investing in local communities to develop a skilled and diverse talent pipeline ready to maintain and build the grid of the future. Since its start, CONSTRUCT has trained nearly 900 participants and connected over 70 percent to jobs post-graduation.
Leejohn Johnson, working as an Overhead Electrical Specialist.
“ComEd delivers safe and reliable power to over 9 million across northern Illinois thanks to the dedication of more than 6,300 dedicated men and women serving in a variety of roles,” said Laticia Holbert, senior manager of workforce development for ComEd. “As one of the largest employers in the region, ComEd remains committed to ensuring that the growing opportunities in the energy field are accessible to job seekers of all backgrounds through our training programs that set up participants for lasting and rewarding careers in utilities – just like we see with Leejohn!”
Today Leejohn works out of the Crestwood Headquarters while Asianay reports to the Chicago South Headquarters. She still remembers a lot of ecstatic screaming when she broke the news to her family about receiving a ComEd offer letter at the beginning of the year. “It was one of the best days of my life and though it felt amazing, I also knew I needed to get ready for the challenges ahead. Thankfully, I have my dad who has always been my coach and tutor. Before it was basketball, and now while working on power lines I can hear his voice in the back of my head saying, ‘test before touch.’”
To learn more about ComEd’s education and training offerings, visit www.ComEd.com/CleanEnergyJobs.
