Everblue’s partnership with the West Virginia Office of Energy supports contractor training, industry credentials, and workforce readiness for the state’s HOMES and HEAR programs.

As West Virginia launched its HOMES and HEAR programs statewide on September 28, 2026, the state also recognized its first contractors completing the West Virginia Energy Efficiency Contractor (WVEEC) pathway. The milestone reflects an investment in workforce development that began well before launch, with Everblue supporting the West Virginia Office of Energy (WVOE) in preparing contractors to deliver energy improvements across the state. 

Preparing Contractors for West Virginia Home Energy Rebate Programs

In 2025, Everblue was selected as WVOE’s primary training provider to support West Virginia’s Home Energy Rebate programs.

The initiative provides no-cost training opportunities, industry-recognized certifications and financial incentives to help participants build skills and prepare for energy efficiency work.

Through an approximately eight-month pathway combining technical instruction, hands-on experience, on-the-job training, mentorship, and a capstone assessment, participants work toward the WVEEC credential.

To date, the WVEEC training pathway has supported 113 active participants, with 62 completing the first program milestone. Participants have completed 516 course training requirements, representing more than 5,190 hours of training, including 2,020 hours of hands-on experience.

“A program of this scale requires a workforce that is ready to meet the demand,” said Nicholas Preservati, Deputy Secretary of the West Virginia Department of Commerce and Director of the West Virginia Office of Energy. “Everblue has helped us create a training pipeline that supports established contractors, welcomes new workers into the field, and expands the capacity of the industry statewide.”

Building Capacity for HOMES and HEAR

West Virginia’s HOMES and HEAR programs provide rebates for eligible home energy improvements, creating opportunities for homeowners, contractors, and local businesses.

Preparing contractors ahead of launch helps ensure the state has qualified professionals positioned to perform eligible improvements as demand increases.

Everblue’s training model supports both experienced contractors seeking additional credentials and individuals entering the energy efficiency workforce.

Training covers a range of technical skills, including building science, energy auditing, heat pump technology, air infiltration and duct leakage testing, and quality control. Participants also have access to industry-focused courses such as BPI Building Science Principles, OSHA safety training, EPA Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP), and Home Energy Professional training.

Beyond the training metrics, participants are already putting new skills into practice, from applying whole-home building science principles in HVAC work to conducting energy assessments and helping homeowners better understand their energy efficiency options. 

Recognizing West Virginia’s First WVEEC Graduates

As the statewide rebate programs launched, seven contractors were recognized for completing the WVEEC pathway and received incentive checks.

The recognition marked an important milestone for the contractors and demonstrated progress toward building a qualified workforce to support the state’s energy goals.

“Seeing these contractors reach this milestone as West Virginia launches its rebate programs shows why workforce development is so important to successful implementation,” said Laura Smailes, program manager at Everblue. “Funding creates opportunity, but communities also need skilled people who can turn that opportunity into improvements in people’s homes. West Virginia invested early in workforce readiness, and we’re proud to see that investment paying off.”

Creating an Investment That Lasts Beyond the Rebates

Beyond supporting immediate program delivery, the initiative is designed to strengthen West Virginia’s energy efficiency industry over the long term.

“When we invest in contractor training, it supports local businesses, creates opportunities for workers, and helps ensure the dollars going into home improvements also strengthen our state’s economy,” said Preservati.

By expanding access to training, credentials, and career pathways, WVOE and Everblue are helping build a workforce that can support future projects beyond HOMES and HEAR.

“We want these programs to leave something behind beyond individual home improvements. A larger, better-trained workforce is one of those lasting investments,” Preservati added.

Continuing the Momentum

The statewide launch and recognition of West Virginia’s first WVEEC graduates mark an important milestone.

With the first year of training complete, Everblue and WVOE are building on that progress as more participants advance through the pathway, earn credentials, and prepare to support energy efficiency projects across the state.

As HOMES and HEAR implementation continues, the focus remains on strengthening contractor readiness, expanding workforce capacity, and creating lasting opportunities for West Virginia workers and businesses.

For more information about the WVEEC training pathway, including upcoming training and enrollment opportunities, visit Everblue’s West Virginia training page.

West Virginia Workforce Development: By the Numbers

• 113 active participants enrolled
• 516 course completions
• More than 5,190 training hours
• 7 WVEEC contractors recognized for pathway completion