A Growing Industry

This year’s report confirms that energy efficiency remains the largest sector of the U.S. clean energy workforce, with nearly 2.3 million Americans working in the industry. In 2023, this sector experienced the most job growth among all energy technology areas, adding nearly 75,000 new jobs.

The EE sector employs more than twice as many workers as the entire fossil fuel industry. This statistic highlights the critical role that workers play in the shift to cleaner energy and greater efficiency in our homes, businesses, and communities.

This is great news because the EE workforce mainly consists of young and middle-aged workers—those who can see us through this transition! In fact, there are more workers ages 18 to 54 in EE than in the national workforce.

The report also shows that the EE workforce stands out for its inclusion of veterans, who make up 9% of the EE workforce (compared to the national average of 5%).

Jobs Rooted in the Community

The report reveals that EE workers are in demand across the country, with jobs found in 99.9% of all U.S. counties. These workers help homes and businesses save energy through common upgrades like better insulation, improved HVAC systems, efficient appliances, and smart thermostats. Because these jobs are local and cannot be outsourced, they provide economic benefits to communities while helping to lower energy costs.

Curious about how many energy efficiency jobs are in your area? Check out our state fact sheets that break those numbers down by county.

The Need for Greater Diversity

Research shows that a diverse workforce boosts innovation, productivity, employee satisfaction, retention, and profits. While the EE industry is making great strides in boosting diversity through expanded recruitment and training opportunities in underserved communities, there is still more work to be done. Prioritizing diversity in hiring will be key to better representation in communities and a return to pre-pandemic workforce numbers.

Providing Policy Guidance

The report includes policy recommendations providing guidance to policymakers, program managers, and state and local leaders on how to use and protect federal investments, strengthen workforce diversity, and keep energy efficiency jobs growing. Key investments like the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) have made significant progress in tackling climate change and creating jobs, but effective implementation and continued funding are critical to sustaining the momentum and further building up the clean energy workforce.

2.3 Million and Counting…

The Energy Efficiency Jobs in America report establishes a baseline of where we’ve been and where we need to go, with key insights guiding us on pathways forward. In addition to the national summary, which offers a high-level overview of EE workforce statistics nationwide, the fact sheets for all 50 states plus the District of Columbia include analysis to help state leaders understand trends and make informed decisions about program development and investments. Each state fact sheet includes:

• Total jobs per state
• Comparison with other in-state energy sectors
• Business sizes and total number of EE businesses
• Breakouts by type of work
• Percentage of veterans
• Percentage of construction workers
• Demographic data
• Number of EE jobs by county

As a companion to the state fact sheets, you can also see some of the 2.3 million people who work in this industry and who participate in the Faces of EE initiative. This campaign, started by E4TheFuture in 2017, supports job report numbers and humanizes the statistics. The faces you see are the unsung heroes who help people to live better, use energy smarter, and who are passionate about the work they do. We’re grateful to our Faces of EE for their contributions to this report—be sure to check your state page to see the faces making an impact in your state!

As BPA continues the important work of publishing the Energy Efficiency Jobs in America report, we are honored to build on the legacy established by E4TheFuture and Environmental Entrepreneurs (E2). We invite everyone in the industry to explore, share, and use the report to gain a deeper understanding of the impact of the millions of Americans who drive energy efficiency to homes, businesses, and communities across the country.

Read the report.

Visit the dedicated website.

The post America’s Energy Efficiency Relies on 2.3 Million Americans and Counting appeared first on Building Performance Association.

Media Contact: Stephanie Ebbs
stephanie@storyandreach.com

The new recommendations emphasize the importance of training, collaboration, and providing reliable information for customers

Washington, DC, December 12, 2024 – The nation’s largest association of building performance contractors is out with a series of new reports detailing best practices to ensure millions of American consumers and contractors benefit from the Inflation Reduction Act’s residential incentives. This includes the $8.8 billion in Home Energy Rebates that will hit the market in most states in 2025. 

Building Performance Association (BPA) compiled these reports in collaboration with AnnDyl Policy Group (AnnDyl) based on input from hundreds of contractors in one-on-one conversations, state-based workshops, and an extensive national survey over the past year. 

“In 2025 we are going to see the long-awaited Home Energy Rebates reach the marketplace in most states,” said Kara Saul Rinaldi, President and CEO of AnnDyl, Chief Policy Officer of BPA, and lead author on all three papers. 

“These rebates can be used with existing federal tax incentives as well as state utility incentives, but it can be complicated. These papers help contractors prepare for the incentives and share their concerns and recommendations with state policymakers who are putting final touches on the programs.”

Reports: 

• Contractor Perspectives for States Designing New Federal Home Upgrade Incentive Programs – This report compiles input from contractors to provide critical information for policymakers designing state-specific rebate programs.  

• The Residential Capital Stack – This report shares opportunities to maximize the benefits to households by combining incentive types by income level as a resource for policymakers and contractors.

• Recommendations for Contractors Seeking to Engage in Historic Federal and State Incentive Opportunities – This report provides recommendations for contractors to effectively prepare to help their customers access incentives.

The Department of Energy’s Home Energy Rebates program authorized a historic $8.8 billion as part of the Inflation Reduction Act signed in 2022. Ten states and the District of Columbia are offering rebates now and 39 have applied for full funding to launch their programs, as of December 10, 2024. 

The Home Energy Rebates include the HOMES Rebates (also called Home Efficiency Rebates), which provide incentives for whole house upgrades that reduce a home’s overall energy use, and Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR), that award grants to states or tribal territories to provide rebates for home electrification measures such as heat pumps, electric cooktops, or efficiency upgrades like insulation. The 25C Tax incentives are currently in the marketplace, supporting home upgrades for insulation, heat pumps, audits and other home performance measures. In addition, many states have utility programs and financing options that may be used in unison to complete the projects.

“Homeowners need these incentives to cut the cost of their energy bills through energy efficiency home upgrades. These inflation-reducing incentives won’t work if contractors don’t have easy access to providing them,” said Steve Skodak, President and CEO of BPA.

DOE estimates the Home Energy Rebate program alone could collectively save homeowners $1 billion a year on energy bills and support over 50,000 American jobs. Individual household savings vary based on income. As outlined in the Residential Capital Stack report, states and contractors can combine eligible incentive programs to get households their maximum savings.

“When homeowners hear about financial incentives, they reach out to their contractors for help and then the contractors reach out to their state programs – it is critical that the blending of these incentives are understood,” Skodak said. 

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The post As IRA Home Energy Rebates Roll Out to More States in 2025, BPA and AnnDyl Policy Group Share Best Practices for Contractors and State Policymakers to Utilize All New Incentives appeared first on Building Performance Association.

This confidential, voluntary survey will take between 15 and 45 minutes of your time and will provide us with valuable feedback to ensure that DOE, the federal government, and energy stakeholders fully understand the needs of companies like yours. For the most recent USEER, please click here.

DOE has engaged an independent research firm, BW Research Partnership, to conduct an employer survey to better understand the strengths, weaknesses, barriers, opportunities, and needs from this important sector.

We know you are busy, so we have provided two convenient options for completing the survey:

Option 1 – Complete the survey online at www.bwresearch.com/p/USEER2025/?i=BPA

Option 2 – Email useer@bwresearch.com and BW Research Partnership will email you a unique link to complete the survey online.

Your individual responses will remain strictly confidential and anonymous.

If you have any questions regarding this survey, please contact Ava Kalina, Department of Energy Fellow, at (202) 573-5882 or email ava.kalina@hq.doe.gov.

Thank you in advance for taking time to participate in this important study.

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Attendees of the National Home Performance Conference are contractors, weatherization professionals, energy auditors, and others working in residential energy efficiency who gather yearly for the latest industry updates, education, and networking. A highlight of this year’s event is the OLHCHH Program Managers Conference, which provides essential training and networking opportunities for HUD grantees and their partners.

HUD’s OLHCHH grant program supports approximately 600 grantees who make homes healthy and safe by finding and fixing dangers that cause illness and injury and developing best practices for how to make homes healthy and safe while improving affordability.

“Our two groups are in homes every day, and it just makes sense to collaborate. It’s the workers on the front lines, improving homes and communities daily, who are strengthening this link,” said Michelle Medeiros, OLHCHH Deputy Director. “Our ultimate shared goal is to create safer, healthier, and more energy efficient homes for communities and families across the nation, especially in low-income and underserved areas.” 

BPA and HUD began their partnership in 2023 in Seattle, Washington, which was the first time BPA hosted OLHCHH’s Program Managers Conference. The event offered training and technical assistance on grantee requirements for implementing programs while providing an opportunity for networking and sharing best practices.

New Orleans is an ideal setting for this year’s conference, offering a unique opportunity for attendees to learn from a region that has experienced its own challenges and triumphs in creating resilient homes. “The National Home Performance Conference isn’t just about education,” said Nate Natale, BPA Chief Operating Officer. “It’s really about connecting people from across the entire industry, and we’re excited to welcome HUD grantees to a city that understands the importance of adaptability and innovation.”

For HUD Grantees: Register and access your exclusive discount.

For General Attendees: Register now and save $100 before early registration ends on March 3, 2025.

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The Building Performance Association (BPA) is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit industry association that serves as the hub for businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies working to make America’s homes more comfortable, healthy, and energy efficient. BPA is dedicated to supporting the professional growth of its 20,000 members and program participants by offering educational programs, advocacy at the state and federal level, and member resources. For more information, please visit www.building-performance.org.

The post BPA and HUD Unite for Third Year to Strengthen Healthy Homes Nationwide appeared first on Building Performance Association.

Click here to find your state and see the latest updates, projects, federal funding information, and events.

State Industry News

Arizona – The Arizona Clean Energy Hub is designed to connect Arizonans with the latest energy incentive programs available for households, businesses, schools, local governments, and other organizations. Navigating all the funding opportunities can be overwhelming, so this website provides information on which incentives are available, how they work, what they can be used for, and more. Check out the Clean Energy Hub.

California – As of November 12, low-to-moderate income single and multifamily properties can now apply for the first wave of HEEHRA funds. The Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEEHRA) rebates are part of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and help property owners afford electrification. Contractors must complete TECH’s HEEHRA Rebate training in order to be eligible to offer these new incentives. These funds are in addition to the existing Statewide TECH Clean California Single-Family Heat Pump HVAC and the upcoming Heat Pump Water Heater program (which are not based on income). Learn more about who is eligible, rebate amounts, and more here.

Colorado – Colorado has launched the Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR) portion of the rebate program to lower energy bills by reducing costs for energy efficiency improvements. Colorado’s HEAR program will initially be implemented through the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), which helps income-qualified residents enhance their homes’ insulation and energy efficiency. Colorado is the first state to fully integrate WAP with a Home Energy Rebates program. The state expects to broaden the HEAR program in 2025 with direct-to-consumer rebates available to income-qualified households in Colorado earning below 150% of area median income. Read the press release to learn more.

Georgia – The Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA) has introduced a limited pilot phase of its rebate programs. This preliminary rollout aims to refine operational processes and broaden contractor participation ahead of the full program launch. Pilot projects will exclusively originate from contractor-led pipelines. Georgia expects the pilot to run through the first quarter of 2025.

Once fully launched, Georgia residents will have several options to access rebates, including state-approved contractors, retail outlets, DIY methods, and midstream pathways. Both single-family and multifamily households will qualify. Under the Home Efficiency Rebates (HOMES) program, households earning less than 80% of the area median income (AMI) could receive up to $16,000 for achieving 35% energy savings, while those earning up to 150% AMI may qualify for up to $4,000. The program will also include a comprehensive range of HEAR measures at maximum rebate levels. Read the press release to learn more about Georgia’s plans for the programs.

Kentucky – The Kentucky Department for Energy Development and Independence (DEDI) submitted its HOMES and HEAR funding applications to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), requesting a total of $134 million. Rebates are expected to become available in mid to late 2025. Check the state’s rebate website for updates.

Maryland – Through a network of host site partners, the Maryland Climate Corps engages paid fellows in activities that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, build green infrastructure, and improve community resilience to climate disasters. These fellows also receive workforce training and career coaching necessary to access a well-paying green job after their term of service.

Service Year Alliance has funding available to help support 1-2 energy efficiency employers with a hiring footprint in Maryland who would be interested in working with the Maryland Climate Corps (MCC) to explore opportunities to better equip MCC Fellows to pursue careers within the energy efficiency sector.

Please register to join Service Year Alliance and The Maryland Department of Service and Civic Innovation for a webinar from 2-2:30 pm ET on December 4 if your organization is interested in learning more about this low-lift opportunity to build additional talent pipelines into your current or future positions. Contact Brent Kossick, Director of Climate and Workforce at Service Year Alliance (bkossick@serviceyear.org) if interested, but unavailable for the webinar.

Michigan – The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) is starting another round of input on implementation of the Michigan Healthy Climate Plan (MHCP). The public is invited to participate in a series of virtual listening sessions on the priorities across the action areas included in Michigan’s plan. The intended audience is anyone interested in or who has experience with a climate action area of the MHCP. This includes local governments, state government, nonprofits, businesses, community members, etc.

Click the sessions below to register:

• December 10, 6-7 PM – Electrify Vehicles and Increase Public Transit
• December 18, 6-7 PM – Repair and Decarbonize Homes and Businesses
• January 16, 6-7 PM – Drive Clean Innovation in Industry
• January 22, 6-7 PM – Protect Michigan’s Land and Water

Minnesota – The Minnesota Department of Information Technology Services in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Commerce is seeking a single Responder to provide program design, planning, administration, implementation, technical, and administrative support for the delivery of the Home Energy Rebates (HER) Programs and other state-funded programs related to residential rebates, grants, and other forms of financial assistance. The Minnesota Department of Commerce applied for $74M in funding for its HOMES program earlier this month. Learn more and access the Request for Proposals (RFP) here.

Pennsylvania – The Energy Efficiency Alliance is hosting a series of contractor network calls for energy efficiency and HVAC contractors in Pennsylvania to learn more about industry and policy developments that affect their work, from federal incentives and tax benefits to workforce training opportunities. The final meeting of the year will be held December 6 at 8 am ET. Register here.

Texas – The State Energy Conservation Office (SECO) has submitted both its HOMES and HEAR applications and entered the drafting phase for the Home Energy Rebates RFP. All questions from potential vendors and partners will be shared with the lead purchaser for the question-and-answer portion of the solicitation. Community individuals can still reach out with questions and concerns. Monitor updates here.

Washington, D.C. – The District of Columbia has launched both its HOMES and HEAR programs to lower energy bills by reducing costs for energy efficiency improvements. The District’s federal and local rebate programs will be overseen by the D.C. Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE), working closely with its implementing contractor, the D.C. Sustainable Energy Utility (DCSEU). The District will deliver federal rebates to eligible residents through existing equity-focused programs administered by the DCSEU, an approach that will ensure home energy upgrades are accessible to all residents. Read the press release to learn more about D.C.’s plans for its programs.

West Virginia – The West Virginia Office of Energy (WVOE) has released an RFP aiming to partner with an organization to develop a comprehensive “Home Energy Rebates Training Program” tailored for contractors in the state. This program is designed to offer flexible training options catering to various levels of expertise, equipping West Virginia’s contractor workforce for participation in the HER programs and the broader energy efficiency sector. Questions are due on November 25 by 1 pm ET. The RFP closes on December 9 at 1:30 pm ET. Access the posting here by clicking “Published Solicitations” and searching for “Energy Rebates Training.” 

National Industry News

National Apprenticeship Week – November 17-23

This week is National Apprenticeship Week (NAW), a nationwide celebration that brings together employers, industry associations, labor organizations, community-based organizations, workforce partners, education providers, and government leaders to show support for Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs). Read BPA’s announcement to learn how we are celebrating the 10th anniversary of NAW.

New Tools Released by U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)

DOE has released new tools to help homeowners and contractors access thousands of dollars in federal tax credits for energy-efficient home improvements, thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act. These resources include a Tax Credit Product Lookup Tool, an insulation guide, and a contractor training module. These resources will streamline access to the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit, which more than 2.3 million families have already claimed, saving an average of $880 per household. Read the press release to learn more.

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) Contractor Survey

State and local governments are rolling out new funding and training programs for building efficiency and trades, and it is essential that these opportunities are accessible and attractive to contractors. NREL is conducting a 10-minute survey to gain insights into contractors’ perceptions and approaches to worker hiring, training, and upskilling. Your participation will help decision makers ensure that the training programs available are responsive to industry needs and constraints. Please complete the survey by December 31.

Upcoming BPA & Partner Events

Southeast Energy Summit – BPA’s State Outreach Team Discusses Registered Apprenticeship Programs

The BPA team is at SEEA this week to educate attendees about our role as a sponsor for clean energy apprenticeship programs. In honor of this week being National Apprenticeship Week, we are eager to assist employers and other sponsors with creating and designing their own program, completing necessary paperwork to get the program registered by the U.S. Department of Labor, recruiting and hiring apprentices, connecting them with training providers, and offering ongoing support throughout the program. Learn more about BPA’s involvement with Registered Apprenticeship Programs here.

Webinar – Powering the Future: Building & Sustaining the Energy Efficiency Workforce

On December 11, BPA will host a 90-minute webinar designed to equip State Energy Offices and energy efficiency contractors with strategies to strengthen and sustain the workforce. We will share actionable recommendations for states developing workforce programs that support residential home performance, energy efficiency, weatherization, and HVAC industries, as well as recommendations for contractors seeking to take advantage of federal, local, and state programs that shape the industry’s future. We will also share recommendations for stacking programs and incentives to maximize benefits. Learn more and register here.

RESNET – BPA’s Robin Yochum and Xavier Walter to Present on Opportunities for Raters with HOMES/HEAR Rebates

Over $9 billion in homeowner rebates for residential energy efficiency rebates will become available in the States within the next year. RESNET HERS Raters can play a vital role in assessment, coordination, and quality control. As programs begin to roll out, there will be a sharp demand for advanced testing and design of home performance projects. State-level program design and facilitation may require the coordination and leadership of Raters and RFIs on the ground working in their communities. Join BPA’s Robin Yochum, Director of Programs and Partnerships, and Xavier Walter, Director of Outreach, for a session on HOMES/HEAR opportunities for raters. The conference will be January 26-30, 2025 in Tempe, AZ. Register here.

The post November 2024 State Updates appeared first on Building Performance Association.

• Confirming your information or claiming issues with your registration, exhibit booth, or sponsorship 
• Offering discounted hotel rooms, confirming hotel information, or asking if you’ve booked a hotel room
• Selling attendee lists (we never share your email information!)

These scammers are not affiliated with BPA. Please verify any communications through our official channels. If you have concerns or questions, reach out directly to:

• Robyn Hall – Registration
• Gypsy Matlak – Billing
• Chris Docchio – Exhibit Booth/Sponsorships
• Bethany Dittmar – Education
• Katie Miller – Marketing & Communications
• Nate Natale – General

BPA Contractors

• Lois Miller, Meeting Planner
• Brittany Collura, Freeman Trade Show Management- (504)382-8815

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Click here to find your state and see the latest updates, projects, federal funding information, and events.

State Industry News

California – The California Air Resources Board (CARB) is hosting a series of listening sessions about potential new zero-emissions space and water heating standards. These standards are designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions from new space and water heating systems sold in California. The proposed standards would not impact the use or repair of existing systems until those systems are replaced. The next two listening sessions will be October 28 and October 29, 2024. Learn more and register.

Also earlier this month, The California Energy Commission and U.S. Department of Energy announced the launch of the state’s first Home Energy Rebate program. Applications are now open for the first phase of the Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR or HEEHRA in California), which will provide $80 million for low- and moderate-income (LMI) households to retrofit their homes with efficient electrification projects. Read the press release.

Colorado – The Colorado Energy Office has partnered with Everblue to expand access to weatherization training. Contractors participating in the state’s Weatherization Assistance Program can get free access to Everblue’s online course catalog for 9 months. Some courses in this subscription include BPI BSP, BPI BA-T, BPI BA-P, BPI IDL, BPI MFBA, Retrofit Installer Technician/Crew Leader, RRP Lead Safe Certified Renovator, and Weatherization Assistant v10. Learn more.

Montana – The Montana Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) is hosting listening sessions to provide an overview of the Montana Home Energy Rebates Program, convey Montana’s timeline and next steps, and give people an opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback to their team, in real time. The next session will be Friday (tomorrow), October 25 at 11:30 MT. Learn more and register.

Pennsylvania – The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is asking for your input as they develop their PA Home Energy Rebate Programs. The rebate programs will provide discounts to income-eligible PA residents for high efficiency home appliances and equipment, as well as funding for energy efficiency improvements to single- and multi-family homes. As a part of the engagement process, DEP has been conducting information sessions throughout October to convene with the public, discuss the development of the rebate programs, and incorporate feedback. The final session will be October 24 at 6pm ET. Register here.

Also, the Energy Efficiency Alliance is hosting a series of contractor network calls for energy efficiency and HVAC contractors in Pennsylvania to learn more about industry and policy developments that affect their work, from federal incentives and tax benefits to workforce training opportunities. The final meeting of the year will be held December 6, 2024, at 8am ET. Register here.

Upcoming Events

Webinar: 25C Means Business: Marketing Insulation Tax Credits with a Free New Program for Contractors | October 30, 2024

The Building Performance Association (BPA) will host a webinar with Peter Troast, Energy Circle CEO, covering everything you need to know about the new free program, 25C Means Business. This program provides contractors with training and resources to grow their business by leveraging the 25C tax credit for insulation retrofits. By enrolling, you can receive free updates to your website and access to blogs, videos, sales pamphlets, and much more. Learn more and register.

Conference: 2024 Southeast Energy Summit | November 20–22, 2024

BPA will be present at this conference hosted by the Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance (SEEA). The annual Southeast Energy Summit brings together the brightest minds in the industry to connect, explore, and innovate for a more energy-efficient Southeast. Register today and be sure to stop by our booth to learn about BPA’s work with energy apprenticeship programs and more!

Conference: 2024 Governor’s Energy Summit (West Virginia) | October 29–30, 2024

BPA’s Director of Outreach, Xavier Walter, will be a panelist at the 2024 West Virginia Energy Summit, presenting about residential and commercial energy assessments. Learn more and register.

The post October 2024 State Updates appeared first on Building Performance Association.

From November 17th to 23rd, 2024, BPA will join the Office of Apprenticeship and partners in celebrating the theme, 10 Years of Engagement, Expansion, and Innovation, reflecting the impact of Registered Apprenticeships on jobseekers and employers. This theme illustrates the power of Registered Apprenticeships to bring together key national, regional, state, and local stakeholders across the country to meet critical workforce needs.

Growth and Success of National Apprenticeship Week

Since its inception in 2014, NAW has helped broaden public awareness of Registered Apprenticeships with the following accomplishments:

• Over 2.4 million new Registered Apprentices representing over 90% growth 
• A total of 23,729 new RAPs
• Increased percentages of active apprentices from underrepresented populations, including:
  • 225% more women
  • 97.5% more people representing communities of color 
  • 126.9% more young people ages 16 through 24
  • 3,825% more individuals with disabilities
  • 42% more veterans

What is a Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP)?

A RAP is an industry-driven, high-quality career pathway where employers can develop and prepare their future workforce, and individuals can obtain paid work experience and a nationally recognized credential. Registered Apprenticeships are a proven model for increasing productivity, reducing turnover, and ensuring a steady supply of qualified employees.

RAPs are validated to meet the standards defined by the U.S. Department of Labor and a state apprenticeship agency.

Celebrating Apprenticeships in 2024

For its 10th anniversary, NAW will use daily themes throughout the week to honor specific groups that contribute to the success of RAPs across industries.

Image courtesy of the Office of Apprenticeship within the Employment and Training Administration of the U.S. Department of Labor.

Apprenticeships in Clean Energy

The Apprenticeships in Clean Energy (ACE) Network is a national coalition of industry, training, and workforce development leaders. Its goal is to expand and diversify Registered Apprenticeship opportunities in the clean energy industries.

As an apprenticeship sponsor designated by the ACE Network, BPA assists employers in creating apprenticeship programs and registering them with the U.S. Department of Labor. BPA collaborates with training providers to deliver necessary instruction and training to help apprentices obtain notable certifications and thrive in their roles. Currently, BPA is an approved apprenticeship sponsor in West Virginia, Virginia, and Maryland.

To support these efforts, BPA has developed an Energy Specialist Apprenticeship Program model that employers can adopt and customize to fit their needs. This model outlines a plan for workforce training management and related technical instruction to prepare apprentices to become home energy auditors, analysts, technicians, and specialists.

“BPA is excited to kick off our Energy Specialist Registered Apprenticeship Program with multiple employers to bring growth and development to the energy efficiency sector and make an impact in underrepresented communities. I am particularly excited about expanding career opportunities within energy efficiency that will support sector growth and lead to healthier and more efficient homes across the United States. In addition to providing a lucrative career pathway, the Energy Specialist Registered Apprenticeship is an exceptional tool for assisting energy efficiency and other related trade-based small businesses and contractors to increase services and solidify the sector as a whole. Ultimately, it jumpstarts BPA’s ability to advocate for increased education and outreach in the overall benefits of energy efficiency and the importance of industry-recognized credentials. BPA is committed to supporting employers with recruitment and on-boarding of apprentices and providing technical assistance of program oversight that will allow employers to concentrate on day to day operations of their businesses.” – Brook Vernon, Workforce Development Programs Manager

Contact Brook Vernon if you are a clean energy employer interested in taking the next step to launch your own apprenticeship program.

The post Celebrating 10 Years of National Apprenticeship Week appeared first on Building Performance Association.

At BPA, we’re not just advocates for energy efficiency—we’re a proud network of over 20,000 professionals committed to turning this mission into action. From home performance and weatherization contractors to energy auditors, manufacturers, and program administrators, our community is dedicated to helping families create more energy efficient, healthy, safe, and comfortable homes.

This Energy Efficiency Day, we are shining a light on a few of the Faces of Energy Efficiency—the individuals who work tirelessly to advance our industry and make homes more efficient for families across the country. Meet some of these incredible professionals below and discover the human stories behind the progress.

Learn more about the Faces of EE here.

The post Celebrate Energy Efficiency Day: Honoring the Unsung Heroes appeared first on Building Performance Association.