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 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:
- 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)
- 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.
- Specialization Training (3 weeks)
- Dive into focused technical classroom and hands-on instruction in either Ductless Heat Pump or Water Heater Installation
- 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
- Career Connections
- Meet prospective employers, participate in interviews, and get help transitioning into a full-time job
- 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
- Water Heater Installer
- Cohort 2: Feb - May 2026
- Heat Pump Installer
- Cohort 3: August - December 2026
Who Should Apply?
The HERO Academy is open to graduates of the Portland pre-apprenticeship programs (Constructing Hope, Portland YouthBuilders, Oregon Tradeswomen, POIC, and LatinoBuilt) and potential new workers in the Portland metro area who are linked to a community based organization.
ELIGIBILITY
Construction Skills
- OSHA 10 certification
- Applied construction math & measurements
- Construction material handling (lumber, metal, insulation, etc.)
- Hand and power tool use for the professional trades
- Blueprint reading and understanding of construction documents
- Training on construction culture & workplace expectations (protocols, standard policies, professional conduct etc.)
- Strong interest in HVAC careers within residential construction
- High motivation with demonstrated ability to take initiative
- Able to reliably show up on-time and maintain a positive attitude
- Attention to detail, interest in learning, and the ability to engage in training
- Good communication skills, including responsiveness to emails/texts and willingness to ask for assistance when needed
- Customer service skills and a sincere desire to help community members
- Professional and respectful presentation when interacting with community members from multiple social backgrounds
- Have attended EA's "Intro to Sustainable Homes" or "Residential Construction Career Day" Training
- Valid Drivers License AND reliable transportation to get to and from job sites
- Live within the 7-county Portland Metro area
- Ability to lift 50-60lbs repetitively
- English language proficiency
- Be at least 18 years of age
How to Apply
Applications are now open for the HERO Academy Heat Pump Installer Cohort! (through June 28, 2026). Apply here.
HERO Program Details
HERO Academy Trainees will:
- 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 air source heat pump or water heater installation
- Complete 12-week Work-Based Learning (WBL) hosted by our WBL 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 (30 hour/week) employee during the 15-weeks of HERO Academy participation
- Receive a professional-grade toolkit ($2,500 value) upon graduation
- Access additional support to support your training journey
Questions?
We’re here to help you succeed!
Reach out to the Earth Advantage Workforce Team at workforce@earthadvantage.org or fill out a form below.