Today, BGE and Civic Works celebrated the September 2023 graduating class from the BGE Workforce Collaborative, and the program milestone of graduating the 200th person since the program’s inception.
“Each of you worked hard to get to this day and made sacrifices to take advantage of this opportunity. You have demonstrated the skills and mindset necessary to be successful,” Carim Khouzami, president and CEO of BGE, told the graduates. “You’ve shown a desire to do more, to be more and you’re making smart decisions about your future. I am so proud that BGE has played a role in making this possible.”
Also on hand to celebrate the graduates were Exelon President and CEO Calvin Butler, Maryland Secretary of Labor Portia Wu, Baltimore City Deputy Mayor of Community & Economic Development Justin Williams, Civic Works Board Chair Tony Gross, Dana Stein, CEO of Civic Works and Derrick Dickens, chief operating officer for BGE.
“We would like to congratulate today’s graduates and the BGE Workforce Collaborative for reaching this incredible milestone,” said Maryland Department of Labor Secretary Portia Wu. “The success of this program further solidifies the importance of local partnerships and training opportunities for Marylanders, which can support our state's economic growth and local workforce."
In 2019, BGE and Civic Works partnered to form the BGE Workforce Collaborative – an intensive, two-month job training program that focuses on under-employed or unemployed adults who are interested in pursuing a utility industry career. The program provides technical training, job readiness and related skills-training to prepare program graduates to begin a career the utility industry. Participants are also connected to a network of potential employers during the program.
“We are thrilled to celebrate the 200th graduate of the BGE Workforce Collaborative and the deep impact of our partnership with BGE,” said Dana Stein, executive director of Civic Works. “This initiative is building pathways to family-sustaining careers for unemployed and underemployed members of our community and addressing the critical need for skilled workers in our local utility infrastructure industry.”
Civic Works’ Center for Sustainable Careers recruits and screens participants, administers the program, and provides two years of retention services after graduation. BGE connects its network of contractors to Civic Works and the program participants, funds the program, and ensures graduates meet the standards necessary to work on the utility system. Program participants who successfully complete the program requirements have the opportunity to interview for full-time positions with BGE contractors and other industry partners.
Upon completing the program, participants earn on average 10 industry-related certifications, such as OSHA safety qualifications and equipment operator certifications, and are equipped with the necessary skills to begin a career within the utility industry.
Since September 2019, over 200 individuals have graduated from the program with approximately 90 percent beginning careers shortly after graduation with BGE contractors or other utility contractors. They earn on average a starting salary of $38k.
The large majority of program participants were unemployed at the start of the program and through completion of the program launched into a new career path with tremendous growth potential and long-term stability.
“This initiative not only demonstrates our commitment to sustainable energy solutions, but also signifies a pivotal step forward in addressing our community’s workforce development needs,” said Deputy Mayor Justin Williams. “This partnership is a shining example of how public and private partnerships can come together to create opportunities that benefit both our community and local businesses.”
Individuals who are interested in learning more or who wish to apply for the BGE Workforce Collaborative program can find details here.