Home Energy Retrofit Occupations
(HERO) Academy
Job-Ready Training. Robust Support. Real Career Opportunities.
The HERO Academy — offered by Earth Advantage — is a paid, 15-week workforce training program that prepares pre-apprenticeship graduates for high-demand jobs installing energy-efficient heat pump and water heating systems in homes across Portland, Oregon.Designed to address workforce shortages and support communities underrepresented in the residential construction industry, HERO connects highly motivated and trained new workers with leading local contractors — from day one of training to end-of-program employment connections as Ductless Heat Pump or Water Heater Installers.
Trainees are paid $25/hr (minimum 30 hrs per week) during the entire program while they complete specialized job-readiness training, gain hands-on experience in the real-world, and receive personalized support every step of the way. HERO graduates are equipped with the skills, confidence, and connections to start a full-time career in this growing residential construction and clean energy field.
What Makes HERO Unique?
- $25/hr wage offsets for the entire 15-week program (covered by HERO)
- Free $2,500+ toolset for every graduate that is theirs to keep
- Real-world work-based learning (WBL) hosted by trusted and knowledgeable Trainer Partners
- Dedicated career transition support and hiring events
- Based in Portland, Oregon and focused on providing equitable access to well-paid residential construction careers
How to Get Involved
Trainees
If you’re a pre-apprenticeship graduate looking for a new career path in residential construction or the mechanical trades — HERO is your opportunity to gain paid, hands-on experience while building the technical skills needed for in-demand, high-road jobs as either a Ductless Heat Pump or Water Heater Installer. These careers offer:- Family-supporting wages and growth opportunities
- Opportunities for advancement in HVAC, plumbing and energy efficiency
- Job security in a growing sector backed by state and federal investments
- A sense of purpose in helping your community reduce energy costs and carbon emissions
Employers
Ready to grow your team with highly-trained, job-ready talent? HERO graduates have gained extensive technical training installing ductless heat pumps or water heaters in real-world scenarios. HERO makes it easy to grow your crew and company without the typical risk or overhead. By engaging as an Employer Partner, you can:- Meet and evaluate trainees during the HERO program
- Provide professional development opportunities for your current staff by inviting them to participate in select HERO training sessions and in-field mentorship activities (ex. EPA 608 certification)
- Hire graduates who’ve been trained and mentored in the field by top instructors who are contractors themselves
- Access wage subsidies through our WorkSource OJT partner
- Gain recognition as a leader in Oregon’s residential and equity-focused workforce efforts while meeting your business needs
About the HERO Program Team
Earth Advantage developed the HERO Academy to provide hands-on training, personalized support, and equitable access to bridge the gap between interest and high-road careers in the residential clean energy sector. This collaborative effort brings together nonprofit trainers, community-based organizations, industry contractors, and workforce equity leaders to ensure participants gain both the skills and connections necessary to succeed.
- Earth Advantage is a nonprofit training provider committed to building a more informed, inclusive, and climate-resilient residential construction workforce.
- Constructing Hope is a BOLI certified pre-apprenticeship program in Portland with a mission to help low income adults rebuild their lives through careers in construction.
- GreenNW is a contractor-led nonprofit focused on workforce training and technical excellence in ductless heat pump installation.
- Great Northwest Installations is a high-performance water heater, ductless heat pump & plumbing contractor with expertise in training and hands-on mentorship for heat pump systems.
- EnerCity Collaborative is a nonprofit Building Performance Institute (BPI) training provider advancing clean energy equity by training new workers, supporting BIPOC contractors, and empowering homeowners.
Want to learn more about who we are? Visit our About Us page.
Questions?
Contact the Earth Advantage Workforce Team at workforce@earthadvantage.org
This project is made possible thanks to support from the Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund (PCEF) and is offered in partnership with the Portland Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program Consortium.