Building Green Futures
Solving today’s energy efficiency workforce challenges takes an innovative and collaborative approach. Building Green Futures is a six-week career exploration and job readiness program that prepares people for a career as a home energy professional.
Retrofit Installer Skills and Experience Earned
This six-week training program is offered at no cost to participants. It is a blend of technical and essential skills development in the classroom, and hands-on learning in the field. Participants are matched with a local PA Weatherization Assistance Program employer to complete a multiweek, mentored field assignment. Time in the field provides on-the-job mentoring from a seasoned home energy professional and real-world experience weatherizing houses.
Industry Recognized
Participants develop basic retrofit installer skills aligned with the National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL) Home Energy Professional Crew Leader job task analysis, essential skills, and hand-on learning aligned with the Department of Energy’s Retrofit Installer Badges.
- Introduction to building science
- Basic hand and power tools
- Air sealing techniques
- OSHA 10 Safety training and credential
Removing Barriers
Removing barriers to entry is vital to building a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive workforce. Building Green Futures offers meaningful pathways into the career and supportive systems to provide access to underrepresented populations in the energy efficiency workforce.
- Free access to training
- Training stipend
- Reimbursement for childcare, elder care, and travel to training
- Meals during training
Job Placement
Job placement is a goal of Building Green Futures. Participants not hired following their field assignment will be connected to other local energy efficiency employers through an exclusive career fair and networking event. Career opportunities include:
- Building retrofit installer
- Home energy efficiency technician
- Site crew leader
- Home energy rater
Community Connections
Our Community-based Partners
None of us can solve the energy efficiency industry’s workforce challenges alone. Building Green Futures was built on that foundational principle and exists because of our strategic partners. Funding, curriculum development, recruitment, marketing, and mentoring are only a few of the roles fulfilled by our amazing partners. We bring our collective strengths to the table to ensure the success of our participants.
Interested in becoming a Building Green Futures community partner? Email us at cleanenergy@pct.edu to learn how.
Facts & Figures
Building Green Futures Snapshot
Building Green Futures graduates can earn nationally recognized industry credentials, including a Pennsylvania College of Technology training certificate of completion, and meet local employers with immediate entry-level jobs available.
Beyond Building Green Futures
Building Green Futures is only the start of participants’ journey to a rewarding and stable career in energy efficiency. Many employers, especially those in weatherization, offer in-depth training and upskilling opportunities whereby workers can receive nationally recognized professional credentials.
Employees and subcontractors of Pennsylvania Weatherization Assistance Program agencies are eligible for no-cost training and certification through the Clean Energy Center. Learn more about our Home Energy Professional courses and certifications.
Contact Us
Are you interested in learning more about Building Green Futures or starting a career in weatherization? Email us at WeatherizationCareers@pct.edu.