Become a HERO Trainee

Overview of the HERO Academy Program

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, like you, 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.

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.

Program Outline

Trainees selected for the HERO Academy will take part in two phases of training:

Specialization Training

3 weeks of intensive job-readiness preparation (classroom based)
A paid wage stipend of $20 / hour
Practical and technical skill development training through hands-on demonstrations, tool handling, job simulations, and in-field jobsite / job shadow opportunities
Industry-recognized EPA Section 608 Certified Installer certification
Residential workplace expectations training, like professionalism, job-site safety, and customer service skills
Participate in interviews and get matched with host employer

This program will bridge the gap between your pre-apprenticeship program and your future career and get you job-ready for a position as an entry-level installer in the specified trade!

On-the-job Training

12 weeks of work-based learning
Raise to $23.50 / hour
Working on the job under the guidance of your host employer

This program will bridge the gap between your pre-apprenticeship program and your future career and get you job-ready for a position as an entry-level installer in the specified trade!

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