Become a HERO Academy Employer Partner
The Workforce Challenge
The residential construction industry faces a skilled labor shortage, making it difficult for home performance, HVAC, and plumbing contractors to find reliable, trained workers. As demand for energy-efficient retrofits grows, the gap between industry needs and the available workforce continues to widen.
Build your Workforce, Grow your Business, Shape the Future
The Home Energy Retrofit Occupations (HERO) Academy is a training initiative designed to provide home performance, HVAC and plumbing contractors with skilled, job-ready trainees to meet the growing demand for heat pumps and water heaters.
The HERO Academy offers a next-step training program with position-specific technical skills, workplace preparation, and on-the-job training (OJT) to prepare new workers for entry-level positions installing either Heat Pumps or Water Heaters in the residential sector.
By providing specialized training and job-ready candidates, HERO Academy helps businesses develop a strong, dependable workforce while benefitting from substantial financial incentives to offset training costs.
Why Participate?
Partnering with HERO Academy offers employers several benefits:
Access Skilled, Job Ready Workers
HERO Academy employers gain access to a pipeline of pre-trained, vetted new hires specializing in heat pump or water heater installation.
Financial Incentives
Receive stipends, wage offsets, and hiring support to reduce training costs. (Exact amounts are still being finalized, but funding will be substantial to ensure a strong return on investment)
Low Risk, High Reward
We understand that hiring a new worker is a big commitment – that's why HERO Academy provides trainees with ongoing mentorship and wrap around support to help ensure success.
Upskill your Existing Workforce
Participating employers can also enroll their current employees in portions of the HERO Academy at no cost, including the opportunity to earn their EPA 608 certification and receive in-field mentorship.
Industry Growth & Business Opportunity
Oregon's residential retrofit industry is facing a labor shortage due to an aging workforce, yet demand for skilled heat pump and water heater installers remains high – participating in HERO Academy ensures your business stays competitive and meets the growing market demand.
Meet Workforce Goals & Expand Capacity
HERO Academy supports workforce diversity and utilization goals required under PCEF while helping businesses prepare for upcoming market shifts, including new incentive / rebate programs like PCEF, Energy Trust of Oregon, and the Inflation Reduction Act.
Earn Continuing Education (CE) Credits
Participating businesses can earn NATE, BPI, and or OR CCB CE credits for professional development.
Hero Academy trainees will:
- Complete an 8 to 10-week, state-certified Pre-Apprenticeship to gain fundamental construction skills and employment readiness training
- Attend Info Sessions to learn more about the program and career opportunities, apply to participate, and complete interviews.
- Complete 3-week intensive hands-on Specialization Training taught by contractors and industry professionals in order to earn certifications (EPA Section 608 Technician) and become work / field-ready in heat pump or water heater installation
- Complete 12-week On-The-Job Training (OJT) hosted by employer partners in a supportive real-world learning environment and while receiving ongoing in-field mentorship and classroom training
- Earn a minimum $23.50 / hour wage as a full-time employee during the course of HERO Academy participation (employer stipends + wage offsets provided)
- Access wrap-around services (toolsets, stipends for childcare / transportation, etc.) to ensure they have what they need to succeed
- Continue working for the hosting employer on an ongoing basis post-graduation
How it Works
- Sign Up & Attend an Employer Orientation – Learn more about the program and expectations.
- Match with a Trainee – We'll help identify the best fit for your team.
- Train & Mentor – HERO provides structured training and mentorship support to ensure success.
- Receive Stipends & Wage Support – Funding is available to reduce employer costs.
- Build your Workforce – Convert a trained HERO Academy trainee into a full-time employee!
Join Us!
The HERO Academy aims to create long-term career pathways for Portland's priority populations while helping businesses grow sustainably.
Want to learn more? Get involved and reserve your spot as a HERO employer partner today!
Submit an Interest Form or schedule an Intro Call 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.
