Education, Outreach: Diversity in Trades

“Start vocational training even in high school,” said Wilbur Milhouse. Wilbur supports job readiness and education about the gas and electric power industry early, he said as a member of the panel “Careers in the Energy Sector to Strengthen Tomorrow’s Economy,” by the American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE).

Four local executives and educators spoke at the Chicago Urban League at 4510 S. Michigan, August 25. Addressing a recent report from House Speaker Paul Ryan’s Task Force on Poverty, Opportunity and Upward Mobility, the experts spoke about the role the American energy renaissance can play in driving down poverty.

They said schools should focus awareness on jobs in power, and develop more focused STEM education.

“The opportunities are vast,” said Wilbur. Good-paying jobs that radiate around it include insurance and truck driving.

Young people have to see the energy sector as “sexy,” said Pat Whiteside, Vice President of Business Support, Nicor Gas and Member of Illinois Energy Workforce Consortium.

“Hold field trips to the Museum of Science and Industry, have them do energy audits with building engineers at their schools,” he suggested.

Shari Runner, President and CEO, Chicago Urban League, said that women are often overlooked as potential trades workers. “It’s where you focus your outreach,” she said. The Urban League’s Transportation Construction Apprenticeship Readiness Training Program prepares minority, women and disadvantaged applicants for work in the building trades. It teaches math and technical skills.

“They really like to hear about the dough you can make,” said Robert Schacht, Vice President, Meade Construction and Coordinator of Overhead Electrical Line Worker Program, Dawson Technical Institute. A journeyman electrician makes about $50,000 per year.

Wilbur would like to get a message to 18-25 year-olds who make up to $15 an hour that many of these jobs pay more.

From Left: Michael T. Thomas, host of The GreenPreneur Show, WVON Radio; Robert Schacht, Pat Whiteside, Wilbur, Shari Runner