Building Performance Association to Launch Energy Efficiency Apprenticeship Program in Massachusetts  

Massachusetts – The Building Performance Association (BPA) today announced that it will launch a new, federally approved apprenticeship program in Massachusetts for energy efficiency workers. 

Supported by funding from E4TheFuture, Inc., this program will provide pathways for energy specialist and weatherization careers and advance business growth in Massachusetts. The initiative will diversify entry-level employment by energy efficiency and decarbonization companies, and create career opportunities for individuals from populations that are historically underrepresented in the energy industry. Over time, BPA will initiate similar programs in additional states, broadening impact and helping to meet the nation’s growing clean energy workforce needs. 

Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs) are industry-driven, high-quality career pathways validated by the U.S. Department of Labor and State Apprenticeship Agencies. RAPs provide employers with a pipeline of skilled workers and allow individuals to gain substantial and well-paid work experience with a nationally recognized credential. Massachusetts employers who hire apprentices may qualify for a tax credit of up to $4,800 or 50% of the apprentice’s wages for each qualifying apprentice. 

“We are thrilled to expand our Registered Apprenticeship Program into Massachusetts, a state that is leading the way in energy efficiency,” said Steve Skodak, CEO of BPA. “This program not only equips employers with the skilled talent they need to grow, but also opens doors for individuals, especially those from underrepresented communities, to begin meaningful, well-paying careers. It’s a crucial step toward building the future-ready workforce our industry needs.” 

Pat Stanton, Executive Director of E4TheFuture, said, “E4TheFuture is proud to support the launch of energy efficiency-focused Registered Apprenticeships in Massachusetts as part of our legacy initiatives. It is fitting that our endowment, created with the sale of Conservation Services Group—a Massachusetts organization that grew its own workforce to 800 employees—will further the development of energy efficiency professionals in the residential sector.” 

BPA will leverage its experience in workforce development and the Energy Specialist Apprenticeship to help employers use a proven framework for developing their workforce by customizing it to meet their specific needs. BPA will: 

• Recruit employers willing to integrate apprentices into their businesses. 
• Connect prospective apprentices with those employers. 
• Handle all registration and paperwork required by the Department of Labor to ensure each program meets state guidelines and is eligible to have associated costs subsidized (e.g., through tax credits). 
• Partner with training providers to deliver related technical instruction and track coursework necessary to ensure program certification. 
• Oversee program implementation to ensure quality and compliance with federal standards. 

BPA first launched its Energy Specialist Apprenticeship Program in 2024 in Virginia and Maryland. Since then, the organization has expanded its reach by supporting employers across multiple states and providing technical assistance through the Apprenticeships in Clean Energy (ACE) Network. 

Today, BPA looks forward to expanding its program to Massachusetts—helping employers build a pipeline of skilled talent, supporting apprentices as they begin meaningful careers, and strengthening the state’s clean energy economy through a diverse and well-prepared workforce.  

A pilot version of this program is expected to launch early in 2026. Interested employers and job seekers can learn more at https://building-performance.org/massachusetts-rap/ or reach out to Xavier Walter, BPA’s Director of Outreach, to join the program.