Apply for the HERO Academy:
Water Heater Installer Cohort
A paid work-based learning program for pre-apprenticeship graduates seeking a career in the residential construction trades
Program Overview
The Home Energy Retrofit Occupations (HERO) Academy is a 15-week paid training program (offered by Earth Advantage) that helps pre-apprenticeship graduates launch a career in Water Heater Installation within the Plumbing trade. You’ll receive hands-on instruction, in-field mentorship, and job placement support into Portland’s plumbing industry. You’ll gain skills installing all types of water heaters, as well as exposure into in-office roles and responsibilities (sales, customer service, administration), with a strong focus on electric Heat Pump Water Heaters (HPWHs). HPWHs are highly energy efficient (using 2-5 times less energy than standard water heaters) and the fastest growing type of water heater technology.
For more info on the HERO program, visit our Trainee page.
Career Pathways
The Water Heater Installer and Plumbing pathway offers excellent career potential with many benefits and opportunities for new workers, such as:
- High demand for new workers entering the industry
- Living wage compensation starting at entry-level positions
- Well-established career ladders and high potential for growth and advancement
- Mechanically-oriented work in sectors with rapidly advancing technology
- Ability to contribute positively towards community climate goals
According to O*NET, Plumbers in the Portland Metro Area have high earning potential on average, per the following localized wage ranges (based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor):
Who We're Looking For
The HERO Academy is open to motivated graduates from the 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. There will be 2 - 4 total positions available within this HERO cohort.
Program Details
Cohort Timeline: January 26, 2026 - May 8, 2026
Locations: Training will be conducted at training centers and jobsites across the Portland Metro area hosted by our Work-Based Learning partner, Great Northwest Installations.
Pay & Schedule: The HERO Academy is a paid ($25/hour) program requiring a 30-hour per week commitment. Participating trainees will be required to be available Monday-Friday during business hours for the duration of the program.
Selected Trainees will participate in Extensive Training:
Specialization Training
January 26, 2026 - February 13, 2026
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 water heater installer.
- 3 weeks of intensive water heater 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
- Support with preparing for the State of Oregon’s Residential Water Heater Installer Licensure Exam
- Training in residential sector expectations, jobsite safety, and trades-related customer service skills
- Matching with host employers for the next phase
Work-Based Learning
February 16, 2026 - May 8, 2026
Following the Specialization phase, participants transition into temporary employment with a vetted contractor performing Water Heater installs. 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 water heater installations under a supportive real-world learning environment while gaining exposure to diverse job sites and field conditions
- Receive a professional-grade toolkit ($1,500 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 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
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Live in the Portland metro area
- English proficiency
- Ability to move heavy objects, up to 80 pounds, with assistance
- Basic construction math skills
- Valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle to get to/from work 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 Benefits
$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 included in this training program. Upon completion of your 15 week training, benefits offered will depend on the employer’s offerings and policy.
Information Sessions
Attending and an info session is strongly encouraged before submitting your application:
Info sessions are scheduled via ZOOM on December 12 & 17 @ 5:30 PM. Register Here.
To Apply
Please fill out the form below to apply for the HERO Academy Water Heater Installer training program.
This opportunity was made possible thanks to support from the Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund.