Become a HERO Academy Trainee

Build a Career in High-Demand Residential Trades

Are you ready to begin a rewarding career in the residential construction mechanical trades? 

The HERO (Home Energy Retrofit Occupations) Academy is a paid 15-week program designed to form a bridge from pre-apprenticeship into residential construction careers.

As a HERO trainee you will gain hands-on specialized training, work-based learning, access to personalized wraparound supports, industry-recognized certifications, and guaranteed wages while you train to become a Ductless Heat Pump or Water Heater Installer within the HVAC or Plumbing industry.

This program is offered by Earth Advantage and based in Portland, Oregon. HERO is designed for individuals who are underrepresented in the construction industry and seeking long-term, sustainable careers that offer good wages, growth opportunities, and work that makes a difference in our communities.

Why Join HERO?

 

• Get Paid to Train: Earn $25/hour as a full-time (minimum 30 hrs/week) employee during your 15-week training
• Learn In-Demand Skills in Mechanical Trades: Specialize in the installation of high-efficiency heat pump or water heater systems
• Receive a Professional-Grade Toolkit: A $2,500+ toolkit is yours to keep after completing the program
• Earn Valuable Industry Certifications: Opportunity to earn the EPA Section 608 Technician Certification or Oregon Residential Water-Heater Installer License
• Access Personalized Support: Access personalized career coaching and case management support plus as-needed assistance to cover expenses related to childcare or transportation 
• Build Your Resume: Complete 12-weeks of work-based learning with a highly respected local contractor
• Get Hired: Graduate with the skills, experience, and employer connections to land a job in the residential trades
   

What to Expect

The HERO Academy is designed to support you every step of the way:
 

1. Pre-Apprenticeship Training (8–10 weeks)
   • Current trainees and graduates of our partner pre-apprenticeship programs are eligible and can apply for the HERO program (see ‘Who Should Apply?’ for a list of partner programs)
2. Info Session (2 hours)
   • Anyone interested in HERO will be required to attend an Info Session to learn more about the program details, application process, and career pathways. 
3. Specialization Training (3 weeks)
   • Dive into focused technical classroom and hands-on instruction in either Ductless Heat Pump or Water Heater Installation
4. Work-Based Learning (WBL) (12 weeks)
   • Work full-time with a vetted contractor while continuing to learn on-the-job, access classroom support, and receive in-field mentorship
5. Career Connections
   • Meet prospective employers, participate in interviews, and get help transitioning into a full-time job
      

Cohort Timing & Job Areas

The HERO Academy will offer three cohorts of trainings, each focused on one career pathway:
 

• Ductless Heat Pump Installer
  • Cohort 1: Oct 2025 - Jan 2026 
  • Job Interviews: Jan 2026
• Water Heater Installer
  • Cohort 2: Feb - May 2026
  • Job Interviews: May 2026
• Ductless Heat Pump Installer
  • Cohort 3: June - Sept 2026
  • Job Interviews: Sept 2026

The HERO program is a full-time, minimum 30 hour per week commitment and participating trainees will be required to attend Monday-Friday during business hours for the 15-week duration of the program.

Who Should Apply?

The HERO Academy is open to current trainees and graduates of the following Portland pre-apprenticeship programs: Constructing Hope, Portland YouthBuilders, Oregon Tradeswomen, POIC, and LatinoBuilt.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experience levels who:
 

• Are 18 years or older
• Live in the Portland metro area
• Physical ability to bend, climb ladders, lift 50 lbs, and move through small residential spaces
• Have access to a reliable vehicle to get to/from work each day
• Are interested in HVAC or plumbing careers within residential construction
• Are committed to reliably showing up on-time, learning new skills, embrace hands-on learning, and bring a positive attitude
• Want to build a better future for themselves and their communities

The HERO Academy program will offer three 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).

How to Apply

Applications are NOW OPEN for the Fall 2025 cohort 1 focused on the Ductless Heat Pump Installer Pathway.

HERO Program Details

HERO Academy Trainees will:

• Graduate from 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 and become work / field-ready in ductless heat pump or water heater installation
• Complete 12-week Work-Based Learning (WBL) hosted by our Trainer Partners in a supportive real-world learning environment and while receiving ongoing in-field mentorship, job-shadowing and classroom training
• Earn a minimum $25/hour wage as a full-time (minimum 30 hr/week) employee during the 15-weeks of HERO Academy participation (employer wage offsets provided)
• Receive a professional-grade toolkit ($2,500 value) provided to each graduate to keep and use in their future career
• Access wrap-around services (stipends for childcare, transportation, etc.) to ensure they have what they need to succeed
• Participate in matchmaking and interview events with prospective Employer Partners to land job opportunities post-graduation

Questions?

We’re here to help you succeed!

Reach out to the Earth Advantage Workforce Team at workforce@earthadvantage.org or fill out the Interest Form below.