Coming Soon! The HERO Academy

An on-the-job training program for Home Energy Retrofit Occupations (HERO)

Earth Advantage and our industry and training partners are proud to launch our new training program, the Home Energy Retrofit Occupations (HERO) Academy! This 15-week paid program will provide pre-apprenticeship graduates with specialized job-readiness training, work-based experience in the home retrofit industry, and a direct pathway into job placement – all while getting paid and being provided with career support.

This program is in development and will begin accepting applications in Summer 2025 for a Fall 2025 program launch. Stay tuned!

Eligibility

The HERO Academy is open to Portland pre-apprenticeship graduates from Constructing Hope, Portland Youthbuilders, Oregon Tradeswomen, POIC, and LatinoBuilt.

The 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). Applications will open in Summer 2025.

Cohort Timing & Job Focus

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

Cohort 1: Fall 2025 - HVAC Heat Pump Installer
Cohort 2: Winter 2026 - Heat Pump Water Heater Installer
Cohort 3: Spring 2026 - Career Pathway TBD

The Academy is a full-time, 40 hour per week commitment and participating trainees will be required to be available M-F from 8am-4pm for the duration of the program.

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 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 competitive hourly wage as a full-time employee (employer stipends + wage offsets provided).

Access wrap-around services when needed to ensure that trainees are supported and successful.

Continue working for the hosting employer on an ongoing basis post-graduation from HERO.

HERO Academy Program Information

Step 1: Graduate from a Qualifying Pre-Apprenticeship Program

Step 2: Specialization Training

Following graduation from your pre-apprenticeship, trainees will attend a HERO Academy orientation session. You will be provided the opportunity to become more familiar with specific career pathways within the Home Retrofit industry (see list below) with contractors. Then, if still interested, you will apply for the program. If accepted, you will participate in a 3-week intensive Home Retrofit Specialization Training program that will focus on specific career pathways and include classroom, hands-on, and in-field learning. Along with earning professional credentials and receiving a stipend, you will become work and field-ready for the following entry-level positions:

Heat Pump Installer (HVAC)
Water Heater Installer (Plumbing)
Retrofit Installer (Home Performance and Insulation)
Energy Auditor (Home Energy Scoring)

Step 3: On-The-Job Training (OJT)

Following Specialization Training, trainees will be placed with employers for 12-weeks of work-based learning. This will involve employers interviewing, hosting, and hiring trainees to perform real-world work in the entry-level position for which they were trained. During this portion of the program, trainees will increase their competency through job shadowing and receiving on-the-job training during the normal course of business (provided by the employer's team, supported by Earth Advantage), in-field training and mentorship (provided by Earth Advantage), and attending ongoing classroom training while continuing to earn professional credentials (provided by Earth Advantage).

Step 4: Full Employment

Upon completion of the program, trainees will have acquired this specialized knowledge and in-field skills to become New Workers for the entry-level jobs in these specialized fields within the home retrofit industry. Employers who hired and hosted Trainees for the OJT program are then expected to continue offering full-time work for their New Worker trainee. Ongoing support and check-ins will be provided for the Employer and New Workers.

About the Program Team

Earth Advantage is a green building training provider focused on making a more informed and humane residential construction landscape. 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. Together, we're working to train the next generation of new workers in sustainable residential construction and helping to launch construction careers that offer high roads wages and meaningful livelihoods.

If you have any questions, please contact the Earth Advantage Workforce Team at workforce@earthadvantage.org