Kayla Reefer’s journey with the ComEd Power Up Training Academy and Primera is a testament to the power of dedication and opportunity. Kayla joined Power Up Academy in late 2023 after completing a carpentry apprenticeship at Revolution Workshop. Her interest in project management and her desire to learn the ins and outs of the utilities sector made her an ideal candidate for the program. She was recommended by the team at Revolution for the first cohort of the training program, which aims to prepare local Chicago residents for entry-level technical roles that support engineering firms.

During her time at the Power Up Academy, Kayla gained a comprehensive understanding of utilities, learning about distribution, reading utility poles, and understanding their components. She also acquired technical skills such as an introduction to computer aided design (CAD) software and understanding project management tools. The 10-week program also included mock interviews and presentations, which helped Kayla develop her soft skills, including communication, presentation, and resume building.

Kayla’s transition from the Power Up Academy to a full-time position at Primera was seamless. Through the mock interviews, she connected with various firms, where she eventually applied for and secured a business analyst position within Primera’s Utilities division. In her role since January, Kayla has been instrumental in transforming Primera’s project management processes by helping to introduce and implement Smartsheet across our divisions. By leveraging the software’s features, Kayla has been helping us improve our project planning, execution, and monitoring, leading to more efficient and successful project outcomes. She is quickly becoming one of the firm’s Smartsheet subject matter experts.

Kayla’s story is one of growth and adaptation. Coming from a background in arts and photography, she has successfully navigated the professional services world and made significant contributions to Primera. Her journey highlights the importance of continuous learning and the impact of supportive colleagues and mentors. Kayla’s commitment and eagerness to tackle new challenges have made her an invaluable member of Primera, and we are excited to support her future career development!

For more information on how to enroll in ComEd’s Power Up Academy or their other job training programs, please visit www.comed.com/cleanenergyjobs, or contact WorkforceDevelopment@ComEd.com.