Everblue Training

Energy Auditor Apprenticeship Program to Start in West Virginia

Everblue, a professional services company that offers vocational training and certification in the energy efficiency space, is excited to announce its collaboration with Coalfield Development and Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center to offer a multi-week Energy Auditor Apprenticeship Program.

This initiative is in response to the growing demand for skilled professionals in the energy efficiency sector and aligns with the goals of the Inflation Reduction Act’s Training for Residential Energy Contractors (TREC).

The comprehensive workforce and training program management effort will commence its inaugural 7-week cohort on February 27. This program stands out for its meticulous approach, incorporating a market gap analysis to assess the existing contractor base, identifying opportunities for employment partnerships, and bridging gaps in the workforce.

Key components of the program include a carefully curated blend of in-person instruction, online training, on-the-job training, and professional development soft skills training. Participants will have the unique opportunity to earn multiple nationally recognized industry certifications, including the prestigious BPI Building Analyst Professional certification.

Everblue, with its decades of experience as a nationwide leader in energy efficiency education, will provide the Related Technical Instruction (RTI) for this apprenticeship program. This collaboration aims to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in the energy efficiency industry.

“We are proud to join forces with Coalfield and Marshall to launch this Energy Auditor Apprenticeship Program,” said Quin Peek, Operations Manager at Everblue. “With our expertise in energy efficiency education, we are confident in our ability to guide individuals toward successful careers in the field. This program is not just about training; it’s about creating a pathway to meaningful employment and addressing the growing demand for skilled energy auditors.”

The program’s design ensures scalability, aligning with the funding provided by the Inflation Reduction Act’s Training for Residential Energy Contractors (TREC) program. Everblue looks forward to the positive impact this collaboration will have on the workforce, providing a new generation of skilled professionals in the energy efficiency sector.

For more information about the Energy Auditor Apprenticeship Program, please contact Everblue at [email protected] or by visiting everbluetraining.com/get/coalfield-apprenticeship/.

Everblue Joins NASEO as an Affiliate Member

Everblue, a leader in energy efficiency education and training, has taken a significant step forward in supporting state energy offices by becoming a Contributor-level Affiliate of the National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO). This affiliation underscores Everblue’s dedication to promoting and advancing the energy efficiency industry. As an affiliate, Everblue will gain access to exclusive benefits and opportunities, strengthening its position as a trusted partner in the field.

NASEO, a prestigious association representing state energy offices across the United States, plays a crucial role in shaping energy policy, fostering innovation, and advocating for sustainable practices. Everblue’s decision to join NASEO as a Contributor-level Affiliate reflects the company’s commitment to aligning with industry leaders and supporting state energy offices in their mission to promote energy efficiency and sustainability.

As a Contributor-level Affiliate, Everblue will enjoy a range of exclusive benefits, including invitations to NASEO members-only virtual meetings and webinars, access to members-only communications and resources, participation in NASEO Regional Meetings, inclusion in NASEO newsletters, and consideration for speaking opportunities at NASEO webinars and events.

Everblue is enthusiastic about its participation in the NASEO Energy Policy Outlook Conference in DC, where it will engage with colleagues, share insights, and contribute to discussions on advancing energy efficiency initiatives. As an IREC Accredited BPI Test Center and with a proven track record of success partnering with state agencies on energy efficiency initiatives, Everblue is proud to officially join this esteemed group of colleagues within NASEO.

Everblue’s president, Chris Boggiano, expressed excitement about this new affiliation, stating, “Joining NASEO as a Contributor-level Affiliate signifies our commitment to supporting state energy offices and advocating for energy efficiency in the industry. We look forward to collaborating with our peers, sharing knowledge, and contributing to meaningful initiatives that benefit our communities and the environment.”

Everblue’s participation in NASEO as a Contributor-level Affiliate highlights its dedication to advancing energy efficiency and sustainability efforts, ultimately contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable future.

For more information about Everblue’s contributions to the energy efficiency sector, please our course catalog.

Everblue’s Energy Efficiency Courses Added to Army COOL Program

Everblue, the nationwide leader in energy efficiency education, is proud to announce the inclusion of its vocational training courses in the Army and Air Force COOL (Credentialing Opportunities On-Line) program. This collaboration marks a significant stride in supporting service members looking to enhance their current skill set or provide them with tools as they transition to civilian careers.

The COOL program is designed to assist service members in obtaining industry-recognized civilian credentials related to their military occupational specialties or areas of interest. By incorporating Everblue’s specialized short-course vocational training, veterans can now access high-quality education in energy efficiency programs, preparing them for rewarding careers in a rapidly growing industry.

Everblue, with over 15 years of experience in providing training and certification in the energy efficiency space, offers courses tailored to meet the needs of aspiring home energy auditors, solar panel installers, and professionals interested in sustainability and green building. The partnership with the COOL program aligns with Everblue’s commitment to empowering individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in the civilian workforce.

“Our inclusion in the COOL program is a testament to Everblue’s dedication to supporting our currently serving and transitioning military veterans,” said Quin Peek, Operations Director at Everblue. “We understand the unique challenges veterans face, and our vocational training programs are designed to equip them with the expertise needed in the thriving energy efficiency sector.”

The following Everblue courses are available through the Army COOL and Air Force COOL programs and are eligible for Army Credentialing Assistance (CA):

Everblue’s courses under the BPI, RESNET, Solar, and LEED programs not only provide valuable certifications but also instill practical skills essential for designing, building, and maintaining energy-efficient homes and buildings.

As a trusted education provider, Everblue conducts extensive research to tailor courses that align with industry needs. The company’s commitment to the success of its clients extends to military veterans, ensuring they receive the support and training necessary for success.

For more information about Everblue and its energy efficiency courses, visit www.everbluetraining.com and for more information about the Army COOL program, contact us at 800-460-2575.

Everblue and ed2go Partner on Solar Training Programs

Everblue, a distinguished leader in energy efficiency education, proudly announces a strategic partnership with ed2go, a renowned online continuing education provider. This collaboration will provide individuals with accessible and comprehensive learning opportunities in the rapidly evolving field of solar energy.

Building on Everblue’s expertise in vocational training and certification, this partnership with ed2go signifies a commitment to meeting the increasing demand for skilled professionals in the solar industry. The collaboration leverages the strengths of both organizations to deliver high-quality, industry-relevant training programs.

Key highlights of the partnership include a robust curriculum that combines Everblue’s industry insights with ed2go’s impressive network of 2,000+ college and university partners. This dynamic approach ensures that participants receive practical knowledge and skills needed to excel in solar-related careers.

“We are excited to join forces with ed2go to promote our solar training offerings,” said Lesley Baulding, Marketing Manager at Everblue. “This partnership reflects our dedication to empowering individuals with the expertise required to thrive in the evolving solar energy landscape. Together, we aim to make quality solar education accessible to a broader audience.”

As part of the collaboration, Everblue and ed2go will jointly deliver solar training programs that cater to diverse learners, including those seeking professional development, career changers, and enthusiasts looking to enter the solar industry.

The following courses are included in this partnership:

For more information, contact Lesley Baulding at [email protected]

About Everblue:

Everblue is a leader in short-course vocational training and certification in the energy efficiency sector. With a commitment to helping individuals design, build, and maintain energy-efficient homes and buildings, Everblue has trained over 80,000 people worldwide through online and in-person instruction. Everblue’s comprehensive programs prepare candidates to earn nationally recognized industry certifications in home energy auditing, solar energy, and sustainability and green building.

About ed2go:

ed2go, a leading online education provider, is dedicated to enhancing the skills and enriching the lives of learners worldwide. With a diverse catalog of courses and partnerships with reputable institutions, ed2go delivers accessible, high-quality education to individuals seeking professional development and career advancement. By partnering with academic institutions, corporations, and workforce agencies, they reach lifelong learners in all 50 states and more than 16 countries.

Everblue Solar & Energy Auditor Training Approved by NCWorks

Everblue is proud to announce that its energy auditor training and solar courses have been approved by NCWorks.

NCWorks is North Carolina’s workforce development system, and its platform, NCWorks Online, is a one-stop resource that helps workers find employment with job postings, labor market information, a résumé builder, and a list of state-approved training programs available for professional skill development.

Approval from NCWorks means that Everblue’s courses are now listed on North Carolina’s Eligible Training Providers List (ETPL), a statewide list of approved training services eligible to receive Title I funding from the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).

WIOA is designed to help job seekers access employment, education, training, and support services to succeed in the labor market. Each state receives a relative share of WIOA funding for workforce development activities based on its civilian labor force and total unemployment. Title I funding is designed to be demand-driven, connecting training services to the demands of local area employers.

As part of the course approval process, NCWorks must validate the availability of jobs and the outlook of each occupation that providers train for, ensuring that these training programs align with industry demands and can lead to career opportunities.

Energy Auditor Training

Everblue’s energy auditor training programs are designed for aspiring home energy auditors. These programs, namely BPI Building Analyst and RESNET HERS Rater, provide comprehensive knowledge and skills to diagnose issues within the home that lead to high energy costs, diminished indoor air quality, and compromised comfort and safety.

Solar Courses

Everblue’s solar training programs provide the foundation for multiple entry points in the renewable energy industry. The entry-level NABCEP PV Associate course offers a thorough introduction to solar energy systems and career pathways while also concluding with the opportunity for students to earn an internationally recognized credential from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). The more advanced NABCEP PV Installation Professional program takes a deeper dive into solar panel system design, installation, operations, and sales, ultimately guiding students to become solar business owners.

“Our programs are designed to meet you where you’re at,” said Quin Peek, Everblue’s Operations Manager. “No matter where you are in the country, we adapt to individual needs with intentionally flexible scheduling, learning options, and accommodations, ensuring that you receive the help you need to advance your career.”

The addition of Everblue’s courses to the NC ETPL is particularly timely, aligning with the recent enactment of the Inflation Reduction Act. This legislation earmarks $370 billion for home energy efficiency, with a specific allocation of $40 million dedicated to workforce development of energy auditors. A slew of other incentives, including tax credits, home energy rebates, and other contractor training grants are expected to increase demand for energy auditing and solar services.

The following Everblue courses are now approved by NCWorks and available to candidates using workforce development grant funding:

For more information about energy auditor training and solar courses, call 800-460-2575 or visit the above links.

Implementing the Inflation Reduction Act With Training & Software

How can state energy offices implement the Inflation Reduction Act’s requirements for contractor training, apprenticeships, and home energy rebates, while also making a real, long-lasting difference in their communities?

Everblue is your trusted partner for navigating the complex landscape of the Inflation Reduction Act. Everblue is an IREC Accredited Training & Software Provider that provides high-quality workforce solutions in the energy efficiency industry.

With core competencies in Training, Rebate Management, and Contractor Tracking, Everblue can directly connect workforce development initiatives to support the distribution of rebates and integrate all pieces of the system, helping state energy offices, tribes, and community colleges with implementing the Inflation Reduction Act requirements.

IREC Accredited Training Provider

Since 2008, Everblue has provided BPI Certification, RESNET HERS Rater, HEP Energy Auditor, and other energy efficiency courses online and nationally in person through its open enrollment schedule and through private corporate training.

In addition, Everblue is happy to provide TREC Contractor Training Grant funding and application support to state energy offices.

Through its partnerships with state energy offices, tribes, community action agencies, utilities, prisons, community colleges, and employment agencies, Everblue shows an unwavering commitment to building a strong energy efficiency workforce.

EverForms: Rebate Management Software

Everblue’s software division provides end-to-end technology solutions for apprenticeship, certification/licensure, contractor eligibility, and rebate tracking.

EverForms is a robust and customizable digital forms and workflow automation platform that manages the home energy rebate process.

The EverForms platform includes applications and approval workflows for verifying:

household income eligibility
home eligibility
contractors requesting rebates
vendor coupon validation and
project completion/close-out

The ability to house all data in one platform provides a complete solution for state energy offices implementing the Inflation Reduction Act programs like the home efficiency rebate program.

EverCert: Contractor Management Software

EverCert is a dynamic contractor management platform for workforce metrics and tracking. With over 100 integrations that include learning management systems, background checks, and rebate processing, EverCert is the turnkey technology solution for powering a nationwide directory of eligible contractors.

Implementing the Inflation Reduction Act — Click to enlarge

Everblue has partnered with 10+ state government agencies and weatherization assistance programs to provide impactful energy auditor training and end-to-end licensure management.

Everblue’s experience and ability to specifically design technology for state agency credential management and project reporting fills a huge gap in the system. As state energy offices get closer to implementing Inflation Reduction Act programs, they will benefit from partnering with proven industry organizations.

Everblue streamlines the workforce development process, empowering state energy offices to effectively manage energy efficiency initiatives and promote sustainable practices in their communities.

To schedule a demo of the EverForms rebate management system or the EverCert credential tracking system, call (800) 460-2575 or email [email protected].

Solar for All Empowers Communities: Shining a Light on Energy Equity

In an era where sustainability and energy efficiency are paramount, the “Solar for All” program shines as a beacon of hope for communities across the nation. Everblue, your trusted partner in the energy efficiency industry, is here to guide you through the illuminating details of this remarkable EPA initiative.

The Power of Inclusivity

“Solar for All” is not just a program; it’s a movement aimed at democratizing access to clean, renewable energy. Everblue, with its decades of experience, understands that energy efficiency is not just about saving money but also about empowering individuals and communities to be a part of a sustainable future.

What is the “Solar for All” Program?

At its core, “Solar for All” is a nationwide initiative that seeks to make solar energy accessible to all Americans, regardless of income or location. The program works by providing financial incentives and assistance to lower-income households, making it easier for them to adopt solar technology. Everblue applauds the program’s goal of reducing energy bills for those who need it the most while also contributing to a cleaner environment.

How Everblue Can Help You Navigate “Solar for All”

As your trusted education provider in the energy efficiency space, Everblue is here to guide you through the intricacies of the “Solar for All” program. We’ve done the research, and we know what you need to be successful in this endeavor.

1. Education and Training: Our solar certification programs are designed to equip aspiring solar panel installers and business owners with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in the solar industry. Whether you’re an individual looking to start a solar career or a community organization aiming to train its members, Everblue has the resources and expertise to support you.

2. Compliance and Quality Assurance: Ensuring that solar installations meet the highest standards is crucial for the success of “Solar for All.” Everblue’s commitment to quality and professionalism extends to verification services, where we can assist in verifying the quality of solar installations to meet program requirements.

3. Tracking and Reporting: With our software division, Everblue offers tools that can be used in the energy efficiency industry, including apprenticeship and rebate tracking. This becomes particularly important in light of the upcoming Inflation Reduction Act, where rebate tracking plays a significant role.

A Sustainable Future for All

In conclusion, “Solar for All” is not just a program; it’s a commitment to a sustainable and equitable future. Everblue, as the nationwide leader in energy efficiency, stands ready to empower you with the knowledge, skills, and tools you need to participate in this transformative initiative. We speak with an informative tone, guiding you toward the right decisions, because your success is our success.

Join Everblue in embracing the “Solar for All” program and be a part of the solar revolution that will benefit communities and the planet alike. Together, we can create a brighter and more sustainable future for all.

Weatherization Training Center Locations Nationwide

If you’re looking to train with an IREC accredited weatherization training center to earn Energy Auditor Certification and participate in the Weatherization Assistance Program and other federally assisted energy efficiency programs, you are in the right place!

Everblue is an IREC Accredited BPI Test Center headquartered in Charlotte, NC. Don’t let our headquarters mislead you: We provide BPI Certification and HEP Energy Auditor courses online and nationally in person, through our open enrollment schedule and through private corporate training.

Through our partnerships, Everblue can provide IREC accredited training programs in every state. We also often work with community action agencies to schedule customized group training at YOUR location and at a time that’s convenient for your team. Submit a group training request or call us at (800) 460-2575 for more information!

About Everblue

Everblue became a test center with the Building Performance Institute (BPI) over a decade ago. We’ve trained tens of thousands of weatherization professionals, HVAC contractors, home inspectors, and general contractors to become certified home energy auditors. As a BPI Test Center, we are authorized to not only provide high-quality training but to also administer and proctor the official BPI certification exams as part of our program.

When the Department of Energy (DOE) and National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) developed the Home Energy Professionals (HEP) program roughly 10 years ago, they contracted with the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) to develop an accreditation for their HEP certifications.

Everblue earned IREC Accreditation for its HEP Energy Auditor & Quality Control Inspector (QCI) trainings in 2014. To this day, Everblue is still 1 of only 22 weatherization training centers in the nation with this accreditation.

Benefits of Training With Everblue

As a BPI Test Center and IREC accredited weatherization training center, Everblue has deep experience working with community action agencies and partnering with state energy offices. We know how fiscal year budgets and government agencies work. Through our partnerships, Everblue ensures a smooth, comprehensive, and impactful delivery of our training courses.

Flexible & Convenient Scheduling – register online or schedule group training near you!

Exams Included – we include the cost of the written and field certification exams in our packages AND administer/proctor the exams during the same in-person session for maximum efficiency.

Energy Auditor, QCI, or Both – we can customize the training to cover exactly what your team needs.

Superior Customer Service – not only are we extremely responsive by phone, email, and live chat, but our mission is your success and satisfaction. Our knowledgeable team will walk you through the prerequisites and make sure that you have everything you need to be successful.

Prerequisite Training – if newer hires need to satisfy the entry-level prerequisite trainings (BPI Building Science Principles, BPI Building Analyst Technician, RESNET HERS Rater, etc), we offer that training too! View all courses

Extensive Course Catalog – we also provide specialty WAP courses, such as Weatherization Assistant (WAweb/NEAT/MHEA) v10, Multifamily Energy Auditor, Multifamily QCI, and more!

High Pass Rate – we’re proud that our experienced instructors and high quality curriculum has led to one of the highest pass rates for the Energy Auditor & QCI exams. We care about your success and will bend over backwards to ensure that your money is well spent and gets you to your goal.

Inside the Weatherization Training Center

Everblue’s weatherization training center locations incorporate the following features:

Capable to supporting blower door setup, measurement, and diagnostics
Accessible attic with at least some form of attic ventilation (gable, soffit, ridge, etc.)
Refrigerator, dishwasher, or dehumidifier with accessible manufacturer’s data plate
At least one fossil fuel burning appliance used for space heating (e.g. gas, propane oil, etc.)
At least one atmospherically vented combustion appliance
A ducted distribution system
Gas Domestic Hot Water (DHW)
Gas line (natural gas or propane)
Forced Air Furnace
Vented clothes dryer
Bathroom exhaust fan
At least one exterior door
At least one window
Gas range

As a BPI Test Center, Everblue provides all energy auditing equipment for hands-on training and exams. This includes the blower door, manometer, duct blaster, CO analyzer, gas leak detection meter, smoke stick, pressure pan, and combustion analyzer.

Ready to earn your Energy Auditor or QCI Certification? Call 800-460-2575 or request a group training session now!

How the Inflation Reduction Act is Encouraging Apprenticeships

Regarded as two of the largest clean energy investments in the history of the United States, the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) have paved the way for new jobs in clean energy and energy efficiency. In fact, initial third-party estimates have found that the IRA is projected to support over a million jobs in the energy and related manufacturing sectors over the next decade (Princeton). These job opportunities have also generated massive demand for expanded workforce training and certification pathways, including apprenticeships. Let’s look at the IRA apprenticeship requirements and review how registered apprenticeship programs typically work.

The Inflation Reduction Act includes provisions where clean energy tax credit or deduction amounts are substantially increased if certain labor practice requirements are met. These increased incentives are available to employers that pay their workers prevailing wages and hire registered apprentices on qualifying energy projects in construction, alteration, and/or repair projects – which can include energy efficiency measures as well as wind, solar, geothermal, carbon sequestration, and electric vehicle charging station projects.

With the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, the federal government is for the first time providing the clean energy and energy efficiency sectors with long-term support and a stable business environment by extending these tax credits for a full decade. In the past, Congress let similar tax credits expire after only a few years or renewed them at the last minute, leading to boom-bust cycles. The IRA is a major step forward in ensuring that government spending creates good jobs for workers.

IRA Apprenticeship Requirements

The Inflation Reduction Act provides taxpayers with strong incentives to meet high labor standards as they are developing projects. To receive increased credit and deduction amounts, employers must meet certain requirements:

Percent of total hours: Employers must hire a sufficient proportion of workers who are enrolled in registered apprenticeship programs. Under this requirement, employers must ensure that qualified apprentices account for at least 10% of the labor hours spent on project construction or repairs. This minimum threshold is rising to 12.5% for projects starting in 2023 and to 15% from 2024-on.
Apprentice-to-journey-worker ratio: Employers must comply with federal or state requirements for apprentice-to-journey worker ratios. Every contractor or subcontractor who employs four or more people in the construction, alteration, or repair of a qualified facility must ensure at least one of those employees is a qualified apprentice.
Exemptions: If an employer does not meet apprenticeship requirements, they may still be eligible for an additional credit under certain circumstances. For example, they may pay a fine or demonstrate that, despite making a good faith effort to request qualified apprentices from registered apprenticeship programs, their request went unanswered or was denied.

The IRA apprenticeship requirements apply to the following:

In addition to these tax credit incentives, new IRA/IIJA grant programs specifically for Energy Auditor Training and clean energy employment are also contributing to the surge in demand for quality apprenticeship programs. Learn more about the value of registered apprenticeship programs.

Who is considered a “qualified apprentice?”

A qualified apprentice is a person employed by any taxpayer or contractor who is participating in a registered apprenticeship program that meets IRA requirements. The IRS and Treasury Department will be providing additional clarification in their forthcoming guidance.

How do interactions with an apprenticeship program typically work?

Taxpayers and/or contractors interested in employing apprentices can take one of two approaches to hiring apprentices: first, they can sponsor their own registered apprenticeship program by working with either DOL’s Office of Apprenticeship or their state’s apprenticeship agency (if they are in a state that has one). The advantage of this approach is that companies can just hire their own “qualified apprentices” from within their own program.

There are also “group registered apprenticeship programs” that place apprentices with multiple employers. Companies that are interested in hiring apprentices without having to stand up their own program can reach out to existing group apprenticeship programs to request a dispatch of apprentices. The registered apprenticeship program receiving the request can approve, deny, or not respond to it at all. The IRS and Treasury Department are currently developing guidance that will provide more clarity on how this process will work. Registered apprenticeship programs can be located using the DOL Office of Apprenticeship’s partner finder tool as well as through state apprenticeship agency websites.

How Everblue training fits into the IRA Apprenticeship Requirements

Everblue stands ready to help individuals and employers alike meet their training and certification needs. We provide Solar Training and Energy Auditor Certification courses online and in person at our weatherization training center locations nationwide. We are also actively exploring other opportunities to get involved in the apprenticeship process. In fact, our solar training courses were recently approved for teaching through the state of Virginia’s Solar Technician Apprenticeship Program! To learn more about Everblue’s wide range of courses, call us at 800-460-2575.

Registered Apprenticeship Programs Valuable to Energy Workforce

In 1937, the National Apprenticeship Act (NAA), also known as the Fitzgerald Act, was signed into law establishing the Registered Apprenticeship Program as it is today. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, there were nearly 27,000 registered apprenticeship programs active across the nation in 2021. Both Construction and Energy exist as apprenticeship industries, and we hope to see Solar Technician and Energy Auditor added as high-demand apprenticeship occupations in the near future.

As the U.S. continues on a path toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions, energy efficiency measures have proven to be one of the most cost-effective ways to help achieve these goals. Not only has the burgeoning energy efficiency sector helped combat climate change, but it has also created a wide range of jobs, including specialized services like home energy audits and electric service upgrades as well as the design and installation of energy-saving products like insulation, LED lighting, HVAC units, water heaters, and more. According to the 2022 U.S. Energy & Employment Jobs Report (USEER), there are more than 2.1 million workers in the U.S. energy efficiency sector, making it the largest source of clean energy employment.

Workforce Challenges in the Energy Efficiency Sector

Energy efficiency job growth is expected to explode as billions in federal funding become available for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects through the recently passed Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). This raises an important question: how do we fill all these jobs?

Companies in the energy efficiency sector are currently dealing with several workforce challenges, including:

Demand: Record demand for energy efficiency upgrades is outpacing the supply of qualified labor.
An aging energy workforce: Energy efficiency worker retirements are outpacing the rate of new hiring.
Lack of diversity: The workforce participation rates for Hispanic, Black, and Asian Americans in energy efficiency are all lower than their respective national averages. Also, the number of disabled individuals in the energy efficiency workforce (4%) lags behind the national average of 5%, per the 2022 USEER.
Lack of skills: Many energy efficiency jobs require technical skills and knowledge that must be obtained through a combination of training, certification, and on-the-job experience, which can require time and investment depending on the role.

Transforming Challenges into Opportunities through Apprenticeships

Employers dealing with hiring, retention, and other workforce challenges have been increasingly looking to registered apprenticeship programs as a solution. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, there were 13,539 apprentices in the energy industry in 2021 – nearly doubling over the past eight years. Those numbers are expected to grow significantly due to Inflation Reduction Act funding, which offers extra tax benefits to employers that hire qualified apprentices for certain projects.

What are Registered Apprenticeship Programs?

Apprenticeships are a proven way for companies to tap a skilled workforce, offering a work-based learning model that benefits both the employer and the apprentice. Employers can develop and prepare their future workforce, while individuals can get paid to work (with wage increases over time), learn in the classroom for free, and ultimately earn a nationally recognized credential that opens the door to a stable career.

The Advantages of Registered Apprenticeship Programs:

Higher wages: First and foremost – apprenticeships are guaranteed jobs! Apprentices are paid to work while they learn. Workers who complete registered apprenticeship programs tend to earn a higher salary in their first job ($77,000 on average) than the average entry-level worker with a college degree.
No student loan debt: Many employers pay their apprentice’s tuition, enabling them to gain valuable knowledge and skills without incurring student loan debt.
Diversity: Registered apprenticeship programs are designed to reflect the communities in which they operate by promoting diversity, equity, inclusivity, and access. By actively recruiting disabled individuals, for example, apprenticeships offer partnering employers a wider talent pool from which to hire.
Structure and mentorship: Apprenticeships offer individuals a structured pathway toward progressing in their career under the guidance of a qualified mentor, also known as a “journey worker.”
Safety and quality: Industry partners provide input on the content of registered apprenticeship program training to ensure apprentices are earning in-demand skills.
Tax credits: Companies that employ a sufficient number of registered apprentices in qualified clean energy/ energy efficiency projects are eligible to receive extra tax incentives.
Opportunity to gain specialized skills and knowledge: While traditional forms of learning tend to be more generic, registered apprenticeship programs can tailor an apprentice’s education to their specific job, enabling them to apply the knowledge they gain in the classroom to their day job.
Lower turnover and reduced employer costs: Most apprentices hold their positions for multiple years, lowering turnover. This delivers significant cost savings to employers by reducing the need for frequent recruiting and onboarding.

Everblue’s Role in the Apprenticeship Process

As a nationally recognized provider of high-quality energy efficiency and clean energy training, Everblue is proud to play a role in advancing the clean energy workforce. In fact, Everblue’s online solar curriculum was recently approved for teaching through the state of Virginia’s Solar Technician Apprenticeship Program!

Individuals in Virginia who are interested in beginning or pivoting their careers toward solar energy can take the following courses as part of the apprenticeship program:

Candidates who complete these courses through the Solar Technician Apprenticeship Program will also receive an internationally recognized solar PV credential.

Everblue also helps home energy professionals to become certified home energy auditors with our IREC Accredited Energy Auditor Certification programs, held at our weatherization training center locations nationwide. If the Inflation Reduction Act leads to the formation of an Energy Auditor apprenticeship program, Everblue will be ready to act as a Related Technical Instruction training provider!

To learn more about how Everblue can help you develop your career in clean energy and energy efficiency, give us a call at (800) 460-2575.