Apply for the HERO Academy:
Ductless Heat Pump Installer Cohort
A paid work-based learning program for pre-apprenticeship graduates seeking a career in the residential construction mechanical trades
Program Overview
The Home Energy Retrofit Occupations (HERO) Academy is a 15-week paid training program (offered by Earth Advantage) that helps pre-appr
enticeship graduates launch a career as a Ductless Heat Pump Installer. You’ll receive hands-on instruction, in-field mentorship, and job placement support in Portland’s growing HVAC industry.
For more info on the HERO program, visit our Trainee page.
Who We're Looking For
The HERO Academy is open to motivated graduates from Portland Pre-Apprenticeship programs, including Constructing Hope, Portland YouthBuilders, Oregon Tradeswomen, POIC, and LatinoBuilt who have taken Earth Advantage’s introductory course to residential trades.
Program Details
Cohort Timeline: September 29th, 2025 - January 16, 2026
Locations: Training will be conducted at Mt. Hood Ductless (Milwaukie), Leaders Become Legends (East Portland), and across the Portland Metro area while working on jobsites hosted by our Work-Based Learning partners (Mt Hood Ductless, The Heat Pump Store, and GreenSavers).
Pay & Schedule: The HERO Academy is a paid ($25/hour) program requiring a 30-hour per week commitment. Participating trainees will be required to attend Monday - Friday during business hours for the duration of the program.
Selected Trainees will take part in two phases of training:
PHASE 1: Specialization Training
September 29, 2025 - October 17, 2025
The HERO Academy begins with three weeks of hands-on classroom training. Participants will gain technical, safety, and professional skills needed to become work-ready as an entry-level ductless heat pump installer.
- 3 weeks of intensive ductless heat pump installation and job-readiness training (classroom & activity-based)
- Practical and technical skill development training taught by industry contractors and professionals
- Hands-on demonstrations, tool handling, job simulations and in-field job shadow opportunities
- Industry-recognized EPA Section 608 (Refrigerant Handler) Installer Certification
- Training in residential sector expectations, jobsite safety, and trades-related customer service skills
- Matching with host employers for the next phase
PHASE 2: Work-Based Learning
October 20, 2025 - January 16, 2026
Following the Specialization phase, participants transition into temporary employment with a vetted HVAC contractor who will serve as their “Trainer Partner.” During this period, trainees work on real job sites while continuing to receive mentorship, training, and peer support.
12 weeks of working with a vetted contractor while continuing to learn on-the-job and receiving in-field mentorship- Perform ductless heat pump installations under a supportive real-world learning environment while gaining exposure to diverse job sites and field conditions
- Receive a professional-grade toolkit ($2,500 value) provided to each graduate to keep and use in their future career
- Every-other-Friday classroom training to further refine your technical + soft skills
- Continued coaching and check-ins with HERO staff to monitor progress and provide support
- Meet prospective employers, participate in interviews, and get support transitioning into a full-time job
Required Qualifications
- Strong interest in HVAC or plumbing careers within residential construction
- Currently participating in, or have completed, a pre-apprenticeship training with Constructing Hope, Portland Youth Builders, Portland Opportunities Industrialization Center, Oregon Tradeswomen, or LatinoBuilt and have taken Earth Advantage’s introductory course to residential trades
- Have a High School Diploma or GED Equivalent
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Live in the Portland metro area
- English proficiency
- Ability to bend, stand for prolonged periods of time, work from heights, lift 50lbs regularly and repetitively, reach overhead, climb ladders, and identify colors
- Have a vehicle or access to reliable transportation to/from training and job sites each day
- High motivation with demonstrated ability to take initiative
- Are committed to reliably showing up on-time, learning new skills, and maintaining a positive attitude
- Attention to detail and strong follow-through skills, including responsiveness to emails, text messages, and voicemails
- Be willing to ask for assistance when needed, and communicate verbally and in written form
- Customer service skills and a sincere desire to help community members
- Professional and respectful presentation when interacting with community members from multiple social backgrounds
Compensation and Support
$25 per hour for 30 hours per week for 15 weeks (3 specialization, 12 work based learning).
Access personalized career coaching and case management, with support available for navigating potential barriers.
Benefits: Medical benefits are not available in this training program. Upon completion of your 15 week training, benefits offered will depend on the employer’s offerings and policy.
To Apply
Please fill out the form below to apply for the HERO Academy Ductless Heat Pump Installer training program.
The HERO Academy program will offer three total training cohorts, each with 4-6 position openings. Trainees interested in participating in the program should apply and will be asked to interview with the program team and the host contractor(s). Selected applicants will be contacted by mid-August 2025 to schedule an interview. The HERO Academy begins September 29, 2025.
This opportunity was made possible thanks to support from the Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund.