Colorado: Polis Administration Announces Grant Awards to Support Climate Workforce Development Training Opportunities

STATEWIDE ~ The Colorado Energy Office (CEO) has recently announced a significant investment in the state's workforce through the Training for Residential Energy Contractors (TREC) grant program. On Tuesday, CEO revealed that $1 million in grant awards will be distributed to support heat pump technology training programs for new and existing HVAC technicians across Colorado.

Funded through the federal Inflation Reduction Act, this program aims to develop the state's workforce in this crucial area. It will provide training opportunities for HVAC technicians in communities throughout Colorado, including those without access to such programs or a qualified HVAC workforce. CEO estimates that approximately 400 technicians will benefit from this initiative.

Governor Jared Polis expressed his enthusiasm for expanding training opportunities for HVAC technicians, stating that a strong energy workforce is essential in helping Coloradans reduce their heating and cooling bills. He believes that this program will not only create more job opportunities but also increase the state's clean energy industry capacity and save residents money on their energy bills.

According to CEO Executive Director Will Toor, building heating is one of the leading sources of greenhouse gas emissions in Colorado. To achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, widespread adoption of high-efficiency electric heat pumps is crucial. HVAC technicians with training in heat pump technology are considered a "climate critical" occupation, as there is a significant gap between projected growth and expected demand to meet the state's climate goals.

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Toor also highlighted the benefits of heat pumps, stating that they offer an energy-efficient way to heat and cool homes while improving comfort and safety and reducing pollution. However, he emphasized that a qualified workforce is necessary to ensure all Coloradans can take advantage of incentives currently available for heat pumps. This program aims to improve access to job training opportunities and bring skilled professionals to more communities across the state.

The $1 million funding was available to community colleges, technical schools, and other nonprofit and private training providers. These organizations were encouraged to develop and expand heat pump technology training programs for new entrants into the HVAC workforce or "upskill" the existing workforce. CEO prioritized projects that serve rural and resort communities and address access barriers such as scholarships, job placement support, bilingual education, and wraparound services. The programs are expected to be available to trainees later this year.

CEO has awarded grants to four projects that align with their goals. Colorado Mesa University Tech will receive $223,342 to expand its existing HVAC technical certificate program and offer a "Heat Pump Employment Ready" certification program with a mobile learning lab. Red Rocks Community College will use their $259,482 grant to expand their HVAC training program and offer a National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) Heat Pump Installer certification. They will also provide bilingual instruction, scholarships, and purchase heat pump training equipment for hands-on learning.

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Blue Sky Training LLC has been awarded $259,213 to offer upskilling training to the existing residential energy workforce in southern and western Colorado. This includes a course on heat pumps for manufactured homes, which will be offered in various rural locations using a mobile learning lab. Aurora Public Schools - Pickens Technical College will receive $257,346 to expand its HVAC program by offering certification exams and exam preparation through a mobile learning lab that will travel to rural communities in eastern Colorado.

This investment in the state's workforce is part of Colorado's larger efforts to develop the climate workforce. Other initiatives include a Registered Apprenticeship through the Weatherization Assistance Program, a Climate Workforce Development Analysis & Plan, and a Zero Emissions Vehicle Workforce Development group.

The TREC grant program supports Colorado's efforts to reduce pollution from the building sector and ensure the success of programs like the Colorado Home Energy Rebate program. This initiative provides rebates for installing heat pumps, electric appliances, and other energy efficiency improvements.

For more information on the awarded projects, interested individuals can refer to the TREC Project Descriptions. With this significant investment in training and upskilling HVAC technicians, Colorado is taking a step towards achieving its climate goals while also creating job opportunities and saving residents money on their energy bills.

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