Everblue, Partners Launch Nevada Energy Workforce Accelerator

State funding prepares 200+ Nevadans for clean energy careers

Carson City, NV – The Nevada Governor’s Office of Energy (GOE) has launched the Nevada Energy Workforce Accelerator (NEWA), a transformative statewide workforce development program led by Everblue in partnership with Western Nevada College (WNC) and Nevada Clean Energy Fund (NCEF). 

Funded through GOE’s State Energy Program Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (SEP BIL) resources, NEWA equips 200+ Nevadans with clean energy certifications to address Nevada’s shortage of HVAC technicians, energy auditors, weatherization workers, and electrification specialists, delivering 300+ BPI, NATE, and RESNET credentials while targeting 60% participation from underserved communities and supporting 100+ contractors statewide.

“GOE’s SEP BIL funding lets Everblue do more than fill classroom seats we’re opening career pathways for Nevadans historically excluded from clean energy jobs,” said Luke Gebhard, Everblue Project Director. “Our proven training model plus direct contractor connections builds workforce capacity Nevada needs right now.”

Everblue’s training ecosystem Includes:

  • Hybrid/weekend courses with hands-on labs and Spanish instruction
  • Paid exam support aligned with BPI, RESNET, NATE, ASHRAE standards
  • Intensive pathways for BPI Building Analyst, NATE HVAC/heat pump, weatherization, electrification
  • Wraparound supports (stipends, tools, PPE, travel) for statewide access

Everblue’s proven training model, with 15+ years serving over 100,000 professionals nationwide, combines with WNC’s college credit pathways and NCEF’s rural/tribal outreach to create NEWA’s sustainable pipeline of job-ready clean energy workers.

“GOE’s strategic investment positions Nevada contractors to scale energy efficiency and electrification upgrades,” Gebhard added. “This partnership delivers economic opportunity statewide.”

Interested in joining the Nevada Energy Workforce Accelerator? Contact Katherine Hickle, Recruitment Director, at [email protected] to learn how you can enroll and start your training.

Goodwill and Everblue Graduate Second Cohort of HVAC/Heat Pump Installation Technicians 

Thirty students complete the GCTA HVAC/Heat Pump Installation Technician program, building local capacity to train the next generation of clean energy workers

Everblue celebrated the graduation of its second cohort of the GCTA HVAC/Heat Pump Installation Technician program at a ceremony hosted by Goodwill Industries of Upstate/Midlands South Carolina (GIUMSC) in Columbia, South Carolina. The program is part of the Goodwill Clean Tech Accelerator (GCTA), which prepares individuals for careers in clean energy and skilled trades. This milestone brings the total number of program graduates to 30 students across two cohorts and marks a turning point for the program’s long-term sustainability in the region.

Deondria Durham and Markus Parker earned the certifications required to independently teach the GCTA HVAC/Heat Pump Installation Technician course, establishing local instructional capacity for future cohorts.  By developing local instructors, Everblue helped Goodwill build the capacity to continue training future cohorts in Columbia long after the initial program launch. 

“At Goodwill Industries of Upstate/Midlands South Carolina, we believe workforce development is most powerful when it creates opportunities that last for generations. The graduation of this second HVAC/Heat Pump Installation Technician cohort, and especially the achievement of Deondria Durham and Markus Parker as certified instructors, represents a major step toward building a sustainable clean energy workforce in our region. By developing local talent and empowering future trainers, we are not only preparing individuals for high-demand careers, but also creating the capacity to educate and inspire the next generation of skilled trades professionals right here in South Carolina. We are proud to partner with Everblue in advancing economic mobility, strengthening our workforce, and helping communities thrive through access to meaningful careers in the growing clean energy sector.”

Monique McDaniels, Vice President of Community and Workforce Development, Goodwill Industries of Upstate/Midlands South Carolina

“Cohort 2 in Columbia is a milestone we are genuinely proud of. Thirty graduates across two cohorts is a strong foundation, and watching Deondria and Markus earn their instructor certifications means this program has real staying power in the community. Everblue’s goal has always been to build pathways that outlast our direct involvement, and that is exactly what is happening here. Partnering with Goodwill Industries of Upstate/Midlands South Carolina has made that possible.”

Josef Keefe, Program Director, Everblue 

The ceremony recognized graduates from several workforce and education programs facilitated by Goodwill Industries of Upstate/Midlands SC (GIUMSC), including Healthcare, Transportation, Skilled Trades, and Technology Career Pathways; Second Chance Training Programs; the NxLevel Business Accelerator; Drone Pilot Training; degreed programs; and a South Carolina Teacher Certification candidate. Everblue’s HVAC/Heat Pump Installation Technician program was the sole clean energy training represented among the graduating classes.

Everblue’s partnership with Goodwill Industries of Upstate/Midlands SC (GIUMSC) reflects a broader strategy of building workforce capacity in clean energy and skilled trades by training local instructors who can sustain programs long after initial funding or outside support ends.

If you’re interested in building a similar workforce development program, contact [email protected]

SC Building Science Training Highlights Scalable State Partnership Model for Workforce Development

South Carolina is continuing its investment in energy workforce development through a statewide SC Building Science Training cohort focused on foundational building science and energy efficiency skills.

The program is delivered through the South Carolina Energy Office within the Office of Regulatory Staff and is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy’s State Energy Program.

Everblue serves as the training provider, delivering curriculum and certification preparation through a fully online, self-paced model designed to support statewide access and administrative simplicity.

A Structured Model for SC Building Science Training Delivery

While the curriculum centers on the BPI Building Science Principles (BSP) credential, the more important story is the delivery structure behind it.

This South Carolina Building Science Training cohort is built around a clear division of roles:

  • The state energy office manages outreach, registration, and program coordination
  • Everblue delivers training content, learning infrastructure, and certification preparation
  • Federal funding supports implementation through the U.S. DOE State Energy Program

“As states continue to look for ways to expand workforce capacity without increasing administrative complexity, this model shows how training delivery can be centralized in a way that still remains flexible, accessible, and scalable,” said Josef Keefe, Program Manager at Everblue. “The structure allows the state to focus on program outcomes while we focus on delivering consistent, high-quality training infrastructure.”

Building Science Training as Workforce Infrastructure

The SC Building Science Training program is delivered fully online and self-paced, covering core building science topics including:

  • Construction fundamentals
  • Heat transfer and building envelope performance
  • Air sealing and insulation strategies
  • Moisture control and durability
  • HVAC fundamentals
  • Ventilation and indoor air quality

Participants who complete the course receive a voucher to sit for the official Building Performance Institute (BPI) Building Science Principles certification exam.

The focus is not just on content delivery but on creating a reliable pathway into credentialed energy efficiency work.

Why This Model Matters

State energy offices are under increasing pressure to scale workforce development programs quickly, efficiently, and with measurable outcomes.

At the same time, the demand for qualified energy efficiency professionals continues to grow, as states expand electrification efforts, weatherization programs, and building performance initiatives.

This South Carolina Building Science Training cohort reflects a shift in how those needs are being addressed:

  • moving from in-person, location-bound training models
  • toward scalable, asynchronous digital delivery
  • with clear administrative separation between governance and instruction
  • and alignment to federally funded energy workforce priorities

The result is a model that is easier for states to operate, easier for participants to access, and easier to replicate across jurisdictions.

Program snapshot

  • Delivery model: fully online, self-paced SC Building Science Training cohort
  • Geographic scope: statewide South Carolina
  • Certification pathway: BPI BSP exam voucher included
  • Funding source: U.S. DOE State Energy Program
  • Participant fee: $25 (administered by SCEO via Eventbrite)

A Repeat Engagement That Reinforces the Model

This is the second time South Carolina has partnered with Everblue to deliver this SC Building Science Training program.

Repeat implementation is often the strongest indicator that a program structure is working as intended—particularly in government contexts where administrative burden, compliance, and participant experience all have to align.

In this case, it reinforces a delivery model that is not dependent on one-off customization but instead built for repeatability and scale.

What This Represents Going Forward

While each state energy office operates within its own funding structures and policy priorities, the underlying framework demonstrated here is broadly transferable:

  • state defines goals and manages program coordination
  • Everblue delivers training infrastructure and certification preparation
  • federal funding supports implementation through established energy programs
  • external certification bodies validate outcomes

That structure is increasingly relevant as states look to deploy workforce development funding tied to energy efficiency, electrification, and building performance goals.

This South Carolina Building Science Training cohort is one example of that model in practice.

For more information, contact [email protected]

Everblue & Dream.Org Launch Clean Energy Pre-Apprenticeship Training in Charlotte, NC

Ten participants to receive foundational weatherization workforce training through a first-of-its-kind collaboration bridging environmental justice and clean energy careers

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Everblue, a leading provider of clean energy training and workforce development headquartered in North Carolina, today announced a new partnership with Dream.Org, a national nonprofit organization working to close prison doors and open doors of opportunity into the green economy. Beginning April 30, 2025, the two organizations will jointly deliver a pre-apprenticeship training cohort in Charlotte, NC, designed to connect underserved and justice-impacted community members with careers in clean energy and weatherization.

The inaugural cohort will enroll 10 participants in an 8-hour training program delivered in person through everblue. Participants will complete two nationally recognized credentialing courses: OSHA 10, which provides foundational safety training and Weatherization 101, which introduces participants to the skills and knowledge required for residential energy efficiency work. Upon successful completion, participants will be positioned to pursue further credentialing, employment in the weatherization sector, and potential pathways into the North Carolina Weatherization Assistance Program (NC WAP).

“This partnership reflects our core belief that clean energy careers should be accessible to everyone,” said Chris Sullivan, Project Manager at Everblue. “Including those who have historically been left out of the workforce conversation. We’re proud to work alongside Dream.Org to create real, tangible opportunities in Charlotte.”

Dream.Org’s Green for All initiative works to ensure that as the clean energy economy grows, all communities — particularly those most impacted by pollution and economic inequity — benefit from good jobs and better health. This collaboration with Everblue extends that mission into workforce training, connecting Dream.Org’s network of justice-impacted individuals with structured, credentialed pathways into the energy efficiency industry.

The pre-apprenticeship training will be administered in person with everblue’s instructional team supporting the cohort members through the credentialing process, with an emphasis on practical readiness for entry-level weatherization roles.

This cohort represents a first step toward a longer-term relationship between Everblue and Dream.Org, Everblue and Dream.Org are committed to a long-term partnership focused on building a diverse, qualified pipeline of workers in the weatherization and broader clean energy workforce — with this cohort marking the first of many to come.

ABOUT EVERBLUE

Everblue, a proud veteran-owned business, is dedicated to helping government programs run more efficiently while strengthening America’s energy workforce. The company offers a full range of software solutions, hands-on program implementation services and workforce development training to help both individuals and organizations succeed. As an IREC Accredited Training Provider, Everblue delivers top-notch training—available online and in person—to build the skills needed for today’s energy efficiency jobs. Its award-winning software simplifies licensing, certification and eligibility management for state and local agencies, improving transparency, compliance and workflow efficiency. Everblue is committed to advancing government modernization and fostering public trust through scalable, effective solutions that drive lasting mission impact and growth.Learn more at everbluetraining.com.

ABOUT DREAM.ORG Dream.Org is a national nonprofit organization working to close prison doors and open doors of opportunity. Through its Green for All initiative, Dream.Org champions clean energy job access, environmental justice, and economic opportunity for communities most impacted by pollution and mass incarceration. Learn more at dream.org.

Everblue Launches Workforce Training and Energy Audit Program in Virginia

Everblue is supporting local implementation of a multi-locality initiative funded through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG), helping Virginia communities strengthen their clean energy workforce while delivering no-cost home energy audits to participating households. The program addresses two pressing community needs simultaneously: expanding access to quality green jobs and helping homeowners reduce their monthly energy costs.

PARTICIPATING COMMUNITIES

The program is being delivered across five municipalities: Greene County, Botetourt County, Madison County, Town of Rocky Mount, and Town of Vinton.

FOR WORKFORCE PARTICIPANTS: A CAREER PATHWAY IN CLEAN ENERGY

The training program is open to contractors, tradespeople, and residents who want to build a professional career in home energy assessment. Selected participants will complete training and conduct audits within their communities, directly supporting homeowners who are approved for no-cost energy assessments. Participants earn three nationally recognized credentials: Building Science Principles, BPI Building Analyst Technician (BA-T), and BPI Building Analyst Professional (BA-P).

Beyond classroom instruction, trainees gain hands-on experience by conducting at least five residential energy audits within their own communities — building a real portfolio of work alongside their certifications. These credentials are recognized across the country and position graduates to pursue careers with utility programs, weatherization agencies, home performance contractors, and green building firms.

The first cohort kicks off June 22. The participant application portal closes June 8. Space is limited

FOR HOMEOWNERS: A NO-COST ENERGY AUDIT, AT NO OBLIGATION

Homeowners in participating municipalities are eligible to receive a professional home energy audit at no cost. Conducted by program trainees under professional supervision, each audit assesses the home’s energy use and identifies specific opportunities to lower utility bills — from insulation and air sealing to HVAC efficiency and appliance upgrades.

Audits are performed at no cost and at no obligation to homeowners. Participants simply apply, schedule a visit, and receive a detailed report of findings and recommended next steps. Homeowners benefit from a high-quality professional service while directly supporting the development of local clean energy talent. The homeowner application portal closes June 15.

WHAT EVERBLUE IS SAYING

“Everblue is proud to bring this program to Virginia communities at such a pivotal time for the clean energy workforce. The EECBG funding allows us to do something meaningful on both sides of the equation — helping individuals build careers with real, portable credentials while ensuring homeowners have access to expert guidance on lowering their energy costs. This is exactly the kind of program that creates lasting impact at the local level.” — Laura Smailes, Relationship Manager at Everblue

PROGRAM TIMELINE

  • Jun 8, 2026 – Participant application portal closes
  • Jun 15, 2026 –  Homeowner application portal closes
  • Jun 22, 2026 –  First cohort kicks off; additional sessions scheduled throughout the summer

HOW TO GET INVOLVED

Workforce participants and homeowners in participating Virginia municipalities can apply now at: eecbg.everbluetraining.com/virginia

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, with priority given to eligible applicants within participating localities.

For media inquiries, contact Everblue at [email protected].

Everblue Launches Vermont-Approved EPA RRP Lead Training for Contractors

Everblue, a leader in workforce development and energy efficiency training, has launched its EPA RRP Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) course approved for contractors in Vermont. The program meets the state’s specific regulatory requirements, giving participants compliant, high-quality instruction in lead-safe work practices.

EPA RRP Lead training provides critical value to contractors participating in the Vermont Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) by equipping them with the knowledge and certification needed to safely work in homes with potential lead hazards. The training ensures that all work meets federal and Vermont-specific lead-safe requirements, protecting both workers and residents. For WAP contractors, this means greater compliance, enhanced professional credibility and the ability to confidently deliver high-quality weatherization services while maintaining the health and safety of Vermont families.

Vermont requires a unique version of the EPA RRP Lead course and Everblue successfully obtained state approval, ensuring that contractors receive training that meets both federal and Vermont-specific guidelines. The course is delivered in person at the Vermont Innovation, Efficiency and Weatherization (VIEW) Center in Barre, where contractors participate in hands-on instruction designed to reflect real-world job site conditions. The training concludes with a skills demonstration and a timed, proctored exam, ensuring participants can confidently apply lead-safe practices in the field.

Everblue’s partnership with the Vermont Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO) is designed to deliver practical, state-approved training that strengthens the skills of WAP contractors across the state. By combining Everblue’s expertise in workforce development and regulatory training with OEO’s local oversight and guidance, this collaboration ensures that contractors receive impactful instruction that improves program outcomes, enhances workforce readiness and advances Vermont’s broader energy efficiency and safety goals.

“Getting Vermont’s state approval was a critical step,” said Margaret Robinson, operations director at Everblue. “This ensures contractors can trust our training to meet both federal and state lead-safety requirements—no guesswork, no uncertainty.”

Everblue’s Vermont-approved EPA RRP Lead course is now available for contractors across the state. Agencies, partners and  contractor networks interested in hosting a training can contact Everblue to coordinate future sessions.

Some in the field work from our VT Lead Training

Everblue Joins Vermont Weatherization Technician Apprenticeship Program

Everblue is proud to announce its participation in the Vermont Weatherization Technician Registered Apprenticeship Program, sponsored by the Vermont Office of Economic Opportunity (VT OEO) and administered through the Vermont Department of Labor. 

The program officially launched in Q1 2026, with its first cohort beginning training on April 20—marking a major step forward in building Vermont’s weatherization workforce.

As part of the apprenticeship, Everblue will deliver the Related Technical Instruction (RTI) through live webinar training, complementing on-the-job experiences offered by Vermont’s community action agencies participating in the Weatherization Assistance Program. This combination of practical fieldwork and structured technical education ensures apprentices gain the knowledge and skills needed to excel as certified weatherization technicians.

“Through this program, we’re helping build a skilled workforce that directly supports the needs of Vermont’s Weatherization Assistance Program agencies,” said Chris Sullivan, program manager at Everblue. “By combining hands-on experience with our live technical training, we’re giving apprentices the tools to succeed and helping agencies meet the growing demand for energy efficiency services.”

The 12 apprentices will complete a comprehensive series of industry-recognized courses, including OSHA 10, Retrofit Installer Technician, Weatherization 101, BPI Building Science Principles, BPI Infiltration & Duct Leakage, Customer Service, Asbestos Awareness, and Lead RRP. Together, this training equips participants with a strong foundation in building science, jobsite safety, energy efficiency best practices, and customer engagement—preparing them for successful careers in weatherization.

Thanks to the partnership between VT OEO and Everblue, the RTI training is available at no cost to participants, helping remove barriers to entry and support workforce development in energy efficiency and building performance across Vermont.For more information about the program or to get involved, please contact Chris Sullivan at [email protected]

Everblue and Texas A&M University-Kingsville Expand Weatherization Training in Texas

Everblue and Texas A&M University-Kingsville (TAMUK) have renewed and significantly expanded their training partnership, growing from two initial courses to a comprehensive 21-course catalog designed to support weatherization contractors across Texas.

After launching last year with Weatherization 101 and BPI Building Science Principles, the collaboration has evolved into a broader workforce development initiative.

Beginning in March, contractors recruited through TAMUK will have access to expanded certification pathways, technical credentials and career-track programs delivered in person, hybrid, live online and self-paced formats.

“This expansion reflects real momentum,” said Joe Keefe at Everblue. “What began as a focused launch has grown into a structured training ecosystem that gives contractors the tools to advance, specialize and meet increasing program demands.”

These courses are specifically designed to strengthen Texas’ Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) workforce—equipping new contractors to enter the field and advancing the skills of those already supporting local WAP subgrantees. The Weatherization Assistance Program is a federally funded initiative that delivers home energy upgrades to income-qualified households, creating sustained demand for skilled contractors statewide.

The expanded course lineup includes:

• BPI Building Analyst Technician
• BPI Building Analyst Professional
• BPI Infiltration & Duct Leakage
• HEP Energy Auditor
• HEP Quality Control Inspector
• EPA Lead RRP
• ASHRAE 62.2
• Asbestos Awareness
• Introduction to Heat Pumps
• NABCEP PV Associate
• North American Technician Excellence (NATE)
• OSHA 10 and OSHA 30 Construction Industry
• Weatherization Finance
• Retrofit Installer Technician / Crew Leader
• Single Family Energy Auditor
• Weatherization Laborer
• Customer Service for Weatherization Professionals

By broadening the scope from foundational education to full career pathways, TAMUK is strengthening its role as a regional hub for energy efficiency workforce development. The partnership now supports professionals at every stage—from entry-level laborers to advanced auditors and quality control inspectors.

As demand for weatherization and energy efficiency services continues to grow across Texas, the expanded collaboration ensures contractors have accessible, high-quality training aligned with industry-recognized certifications.

Classes under the renewed partnership begin in March.

Everblue Partners with Hawai’i State Energy Office to Train 200 Local Contractors Through TREC Program

Everblue, a national provider of workforce training and certification in residential energy efficiency, is proud to announce its partnership with the Hawai‘i State Energy Office (HSEO), Hā Sustainability and Hui O Hauʻula to deliver the Training for Residential Energy Contractors (TREC) program. This initiative aims to prepare Hawai‘i’s local contractors to implement home energy upgrades under the state’s HOMES and HEAR rebate programs. TREC also aims to train Hawai’i residents seeking employment and advancement opportunities by providing them new skills to assess and install residential energy efficiency improvements.

For over 15 years, Everblue has been building a sustainable energy workforce, providing nationally recognized training and certification exams across the U.S. as a BPI Test Center. In Hawai‘i, the program will offer a mix of live webinars and in-person courses in Honolulu, providing hands-on, practical training to more than 200 contractors.

Everblue’s TREC courses include:

  • BPI Building Science Principles – Foundational knowledge on the house-as-a-system concept, heat and insulation, air sealing and building science fundamentals.
  • BPI Building Analyst Technician (BA-T) – Skills in diagnostic testing, combustion safety, blower door testing and energy auditing.
  • BPI Building Analyst Professional (BA-P) – Advanced energy auditing using modeling software to identify performance issues and recommend efficiency improvements.
  • Multifamily Energy Auditor – Training for audits of multi-family buildings; this course has received DOE Energy Skilled Recognition.
  • Introduction to Heat Pumps – Practical guidance on installation, commissioning, servicing and troubleshooting heat pump systems.
  • ENERGY STAR® Appliances – Trains residential and light commercial contractors to select, install and promote ENERGY STAR® certified appliances in line with EPA/DOE guidance, while introducing online tools that support energy-efficient projects and customer education.

“TREC is about preparing Hawai‘i’s local workforce to lead the clean energy transition,” said Juan Carvajal, workforce programs manager at Everblue. “By providing nationally recognized certifications and hands-on training, we are ensuring contractors have the knowledge and skills needed to deliver high-quality energy upgrades and participate in energy efficiency programs and initiatives across the state.”

Everblue’s expertise in nationwide training and certification, combined with its partnerships with states on rebate implementation, makes it a trusted partner in building a skilled, sustainable energy workforce. Hawai‘i participants will leave the program ready to meet rising demand for energy retrofits, electrification and home performance improvements.

Training is open to contractors, electricians, HVAC professionals and other tradespeople interested in advancing their skills and participating in Hawai‘i’s clean energy initiatives. 

Approved subcontractors can register now for Hawaii TREC Training.

NC Weatherization Pre-Apprenticeship Program Launched by Everblue

Everblue is launching a new pre-apprenticeship initiative in the first week of February that will train 150–200 students and strengthen North Carolina’s workforce pipeline in support of the state’s Weatherization Assistance Program (NC WAP).

This pre-apprenticeship program is focused on building the workforce by partnering with several nonprofit organizations: She Built This City, Hope Renovations and STEMEast Network. Through this collaboration, participants from each organization will receive targeted training that prepares them to become qualified subcontractors within the NC WAP network.

The North Carolina Weatherization Assistance Program (NC WAP) helps households reduce energy costs, improve home safety, and increase comfort. Administered by the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality (NC DEQ) with funding from the U.S. Department of Energy, the program prioritizes elderly residents, people with disabilities, families with children and households with high energy burdens. In addition to improving homes, NC WAP supports local job creation by relying on trained contractors and skilled tradespeople across the state.

As part of the pre-apprenticeship program, nonprofit participants will receive foundational and advanced training, including courses such as:

  • Asbestos Awareness
  • BPI Building Science Principles
  • BPI Infiltration & Duct Leakage
  • Weatherization 101

By equipping nonprofit teams with the skills and credentials needed to perform weatherization and home performance work, the program helps expand the pool of trained professionals available to support NC WAP’s mission of revitalizing homes across the state. This approach creates a multiplier effect—strengthening nonprofit organizations, providing career pathways for their employees, supporting state and program goals and delivering lasting benefits to local communities.

“This pre-apprenticeship program is about more than training, it’s about creating sustainable career pathways while strengthening the workforce needed to serve North Carolina communities,” said Chris Sullivan, project manager at Everblue. “By partnering with mission-driven nonprofits, we’re helping build capacity across the state to ensure homes are safer, healthier and more energy-efficient.”

The pre-apprenticeship model not only addresses immediate workforce needs but also builds long-term capacity to support safe, healthy and energy-efficient housing for North Carolina residents.

For more information, please contact Chris Sullivan at 336-706-1843 or [email protected].