Everblue, a leading provider of managed software services for regulatory bodies, is thrilled to announce a partnership with the Cold Climate Housing Research Center (CCHRC). This collaboration aims to revolutionize the field of weatherization through the launch of the Weatherization Installer Badges, a cutting-edge training platform designed to equip professionals with the skills needed to excel in weatherization retrofit projects.

The Weatherization Installer Badges platform will feature Everblue’s proprietary curriculum, meticulously aligned with the Crew Leader job task analysis developed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). This comprehensive training program will ensure that new hires are thoroughly oriented in weatherization retrofit best practices and that existing workers have a robust resource for refreshing their skills.

In addition to Everblue’s expert content, the platform will incorporate specialized material from CCHRC, tailored to the unique challenges and requirements of Alaska’s regions and homes. This regional customization will provide invaluable insights and practical knowledge, addressing the specific needs of the Alaskan environment and ensuring the highest standards of energy efficiency and sustainability.

“Our partnership with CCHRC marks a significant step forward in our mission to drive innovation and efficiency in the energy sector,” said Lucas Yanetsko, Project Manager at Everblue. “By combining our industry-leading curriculum with CCHRC’s deep understanding of Alaskan housing, we are creating a resource that will empower weatherization professionals to perform at their best, ultimately benefiting communities and the environment.”

The Weatherization Installer Badges platform is designed to be user-friendly and accessible, providing a seamless learning experience for professionals at all levels. The training includes 25 brief videos, each ranging from 5 to 10 minutes, followed by short comprehension quizzes. Upon successful completion of a section or task, participants will be awarded a digital badge that can be promoted on LinkedIn and other virtual profiles.

“CCHRC is excited to collaborate with Everblue on this innovative project,” said Rosa Vogel, Project Coordinator at CCHRC. “Our goal has always been to improve the quality and sustainability of housing in cold climates. By integrating our region-specific expertise into Everblue’s comprehensive training program, we can make a significant impact on the proficiency and effectiveness of weatherization efforts across Alaska.”

The Weatherization Installer Badges platform will be available to weatherization professionals starting December 1, 2024. For more information about the program and how to enroll, please contact Lucas Yanetsko by email at [email protected]. 

About Everblue

Everblue is a leading provider of software, programs, and training. As an IREC Accredited Training Provider, Everblue delivers high-quality workforce solutions in the energy efficiency industry. Since 2008, it has offered BPI Certification, RESNET HERS Rater, HEP Energy Auditor, and other courses online and nationally in person through its open enrollment schedule and through private corporate training. Everblue’s software division offers end-to-end technology solutions for apprenticeship, certification/licensure, contractor eligibility, and rebate management. With partnerships that include state energy offices, community action agencies, utilities, prisons, community colleges, and employment agencies, Everblue is committed to building a strong energy efficiency workforce.

About Cold Climate Housing Research Center

The Cold Climate Housing Research Center (CCHRC) is dedicated to advancing the quality, affordability, and sustainability of housing in cold climates. Through research, education, and collaboration, CCHRC addresses the unique challenges of building and maintaining homes in extreme conditions, with a focus on energy efficiency, durability, and environmental responsibility.

Everblue is thrilled to announce that its Retrofit Installer Technician & Crew Leader training program has been approved by NCWorks and added to the North Carolina Eligible Training Providers List (ETPL). This approval signifies a major milestone in Everblue’s commitment to advancing workforce development and building a sustainable contractor base across the state.

The NREL Retrofit Installer Technician & Crew Leader training is designed to equip participants with the skills necessary to implement energy-efficient upgrades in homes. This includes ensuring proper installation and functionality of energy-saving measures, as well as overseeing weatherization projects with a focus on quality control, safety, and effective communication. By being on the NC ETPL, these programs are now eligible for Title I funding under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), making them accessible to a wider audience seeking career advancement in the energy efficiency sector.

Benefits of Being on the NC ETPL

Being listed on the NC ETPL allows Everblue’s training programs to receive support from workforce development grant funding, which is crucial for individuals looking to gain new skills without financial barriers. This inclusion also ensures that the training aligns with industry demands, providing participants with relevant skills that meet the needs of local employers.

Statewide Training Opportunities

Everblue offers its training programs throughout North Carolina, making them accessible to anyone interested in pursuing a career in energy efficiency and weatherization. With flexible scheduling and comprehensive learning options, Everblue ensures that participants receive the necessary support to succeed.

Workforce Development and Industry Synergy

Everblue’s strong relationships with numerous employers in the energy efficiency and weatherization industries create a synergistic environment for students. By attracting students through NCWorks workforce boards, Everblue not only provides top-tier training but also facilitates connections between graduates and potential employers. This synergy enhances job placement opportunities for trainees, helping to build a robust and sustainable contractor workforce in North Carolina..

For more information about Everblue’s Retrofit Installer Technician & Crew Leader training or other programs, please visit our website or contact [email protected]. 

Everblue is excited to announce its new partnership with the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NC DEQ) to advance the state’s Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) by using software to automate processes, providing regional training centers, and launching an apprenticeship program.

Automating Processes with Software Technology

At the forefront of this partnership, Everblue will introduce its WAP Management Software to streamline the delivery of energy efficiency services to low-income households across North Carolina. This comprehensive software solution is designed to manage workflows, track household eligibility, and ensure compliance with program requirements. The one-stop-shop platform will assist agencies in managing applications, centralizing documentation, and integrating multiple funding sources to maximize project impact. Key features include multimedia uploads, streamlined communication channels, and customizable reporting, all aimed at making administrative tasks more efficient and improving the overall service delivery for WAP Subgrantees.

Establishing Regional Training Centers

In a move to increase accessibility and reduce travel burdens for contractors, Everblue will provide regional training centers throughout North Carolina. These centers will provide localized access to essential training, allowing contractors to stay close to home while enhancing their skills. By offering convenient training opportunities, Everblue aims to boost contractor participation and ensure they are equipped with the latest knowledge and proficiency in delivering services to low-income families. This initiative is crucial for improving home energy efficiency, occupant comfort, and lowering energy bills across the state.

Launching Apprenticeship Programs

To address workforce needs and create career pathways in the energy efficiency sector, Everblue will implement a series of apprenticeship programs for aspiring home energy auditors. Everblue has a proven track record in delivering high-quality Related Technical Instruction (RTI) for the Energy Specialist, Energy Auditor, and Weatherization Technician occupations. The company has a successful history collaborating with community colleges, employers, and local organizations to recruit individuals from diverse backgrounds, and guide participants into rewarding careers in energy efficiency.

“Partnering with the NC Department of Environmental Quality to enhance the Weatherization Assistance Program is an honor for us,” said Velvet Nelson, Everblue Project Manager. “As a North Carolina-based company, workforce development is deeply personal and central to our mission. We are thrilled to contribute to our state’s growth by streamlining processes, expanding training opportunities, and fostering new careers in energy efficiency.”

This collaboration with NC DEQ represents a significant step forward in enhancing the effectiveness of the Weatherization Assistance Program, expanding the workforce, and supporting North Carolina’s commitment to energy efficiency and sustainability.

For more information about Everblue’s partnership with NC DEQ and the upcoming initiatives, please contact Velvet Nelson at [email protected].

Colorado Energy Office has partnered with Everblue, a leader in workforce development and energy efficiency training, to offer 9 months of access to its online course catalog for contractors participating in the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) across Colorado. This initiative will provide convenient, on-demand training to empower contractors with the skills and knowledge they need to deliver energy-saving services to homes statewide.

With a simple one-click registration on the Everblue website, WAP contractors will gain immediate access to over 10 courses, including industry-recognized certifications like BPI Building Science Principles, BPI Building Analyst Technician, BPI Building Analyst Professional, NATE, OSHA 10/30 Construction Safety, and Retrofit Installer Technician / Crew Leader. This course selection represents a strong foundation for those new to the weatherization industry, as well as essential upskilling for experienced contractors.

Making Training Accessible Anytime, Anywhere 

Everblue’s secure online learning portal allows participants to learn on their own time, with 24/7 access to pre-recorded video modules. This means that contractors across the state no longer need to travel to attend training sessions. The flexibility of online learning ensures contractors can fit their professional development around their existing schedules while maintaining high-quality energy efficiency services.

Certification exam fees are separate from the course offerings, but Everblue has made the testing process as seamless as possible. Several exams can be taken remotely, and for those that require in-person proctoring, Everblue will organize test sessions in strategic locations throughout Colorado.

“This partnership is a game-changer for Colorado’s WAP contractors,” said Velvet Nelson, Everblue WAP Program Manager. “By offering access to our online catalog, we’re not only improving participation rates but also ensuring contractors have the critical knowledge they need to succeed. This accessibility will help ensure that everyone, regardless of location or schedule, can stay up-to-date with industry best practices.”

“I’m excited to see how this partnership with Everblue will elevate the standards across the entire Colorado WAP network,” said Jacob Wolff, Quality Assurance Manager at the Colorado Energy Office. “The convenience of on-demand learning combined with the breadth of courses will make it easier for contractors to gain expertise in areas critical to their work. Everblue has made the whole process incredibly user-friendly, and I’m confident this will lead to improved, consistent performance across the board.”

For more information about Everblue’s partnership with the Colorado Energy Office and how to enroll in these courses, please contact Velvet Nelson at [email protected].

Everblue is pleased to announce a new partnership with the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA) to provide comprehensive training to the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) network across the state. This collaboration will deliver a wide range of online and in-person courses, aimed at enhancing the skills and effectiveness of weatherization professionals at every stage of their careers.

Everblue will offer specialized courses including BPI Building Science Principles, BPI Building Analyst Technician, BPI Building Analyst Professional, HEP Energy Auditor, HEP Quality Control Inspector, BPI Multifamily Building Analyst, Multifamily QCI, Asbestos Awareness, OSHA 10, OSHA 30, RESNET HERS Rater, Retrofit Installer Technician / Crew Leader, Weatherization Assistant v10, Customer Service Training, and Weatherization 101.

These courses are designed to fit within specific career pathways:

– New Installer:  Weatherization 101, BPI Building Science Principles, Retrofit Installer Technician/Crew Leader, OSHA 10, Customer Service Training, Asbestos Awareness

– Agency Staff:  Weatherization 101, BPI Building Science Principles, Customer Service Training

– Crew Leaders:  Weatherization 101, BPI Building Science Principles, Retrofit Installer Technician/Crew Leader, BPI Building Analyst Technician, Customer Service Training, Asbestos Awareness

– Energy Auditor Candidates:  Weatherization 101, BPI Building Science Principles, BPI Building Analyst Technician, BPI Building Analyst Professional, HEP Energy Auditor, Weatherization Assistant v10, OSHA 30, Customer Service Training

– Experienced Weatherization Professionals:  Weatherization Assistant v10, BPI Multifamily Building Analyst, Multifamily QCI, Customer Service Training

Each course is available to members of the WAP network at an affordable rate of just $99. To ensure accessibility, Everblue will offer online training options as well as host in-person sessions at various locations across Georgia, including Roswell, Valdosta, Peachtree, Macon, Savannah, Athens, and Warner Robins.

“We’re thrilled to partner with GEFA to deliver these essential courses to the Georgia WAP network,” said Josef Keefe, Everblue’s WAP Program Manager. “This collaboration will empower weatherization professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to improve energy efficiency for households across Georgia.”

For more information about the partnership and to register for upcoming courses, please visit www.everbluetraining.com/georgia or contact [email protected].

About Everblue

Everblue is an IREC Accredited Training Provider that provides high-quality workforce solutions in the energy efficiency industry. Since 2008, Everblue has provided BPI Certification, RESNET HERS Rater, HEP Energy Auditor, and other courses online and nationally in person through its open enrollment schedule and through private corporate training. With partnerships that include state energy offices, community action agencies, utilities, prisons, community colleges, and employment agencies, Everblue is committed to building a strong energy efficiency workforce.

About GEFA

The Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA) is committed to conserving Georgia’s natural resources by promoting energy efficiency, providing financial services to support sustainable environmental practices, and assisting communities in improving infrastructure.