Energy Efficiency Apprenticeships
BPA's apprenticeship program models help expand the energy efficiency workforce and build a pipeline of highly qualified and diverse talent.
What is a Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP)?
A Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) is an industry-driven, high-quality career pathway where employers can develop and prepare a skilled workforce. Individuals earn paid work experience, gain hands‑on skills through an innovative work‑based learning model, and achieve a nationally recognized credential.
RAPs are validated to meet the standards defined by the U.S. Department of Labor and a State Apprenticeship Agency.
Learn more about the National Guideline Standards for Energy Efficiency Registered Apprenticeships.
High Demand Energy Efficiency Careers
With more than 2.4 million workers in energy efficiency, the industry is growing rapidly. BPA designs and executes apprenticeship programs while also connecting employers to interested individuals.
To support these efforts, BPA has developed program models that employers can adopt and customize to meet their needs.
Energy Specialist Apprenticeship*
Energy Specialists conduct onsite energy audits and assessments. They also perform energy modeling to determine the current and desired energy performance, safety, and durability of buildings.
Occupation titles include:
- Energy Auditor
- Energy Advisor
- Energy Consultant
Home Performance Laborers Apprenticeship*
Home Performance Laborers perform residential upgrades that reduce heat loss and air leakage, improve energy efficiency, and increase the safety of mechanical systems. They also collect technical data to support energy audits and home energy upgrades.
Occupation titles include:
- Weatherization Laborer
- Weatherization Technician
*These two apprenticeships can be done separately or in a lattice model. By building on shared competencies and DOL-recognized certifications, the lattice model enables apprentices to move more quickly into roles like Energy Auditor, often completing linked apprenticeships in about 18 months while reducing training time and costs for employers.
Who are you?
Are you a business looking to hire an apprentice? Or a job seeker looking for a paid-to-train opportunity?
Employer
As an apprenticeship sponsor, BPA takes on the responsibility of designing and executing apprenticeship programs, while also connecting employers to interested individuals and, if needed, assisting employers with finding the training provider that's the best fit. BPA also assists employers with getting their apprenticeship programs registered by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL).
Apprentice
A Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) is an industry-driven, high-quality career pathway where employers can develop and prepare a skilled workforce. Individuals earn paid work experience, gain hands‑on skills through an innovative work‑based learning model, and achieve a nationally recognized credential.
Workforce Partners & Educators
If you're part of an educational system or a workforce organization that supports people in finding jobs, education, and training opportunities, you might want to consider joining a Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP).