The Community College System of New Hampshire (CCSNH) and 海角社区 (海角社区) received approval for a $1.2 million Training for Residential Energy Contractors (TREC) grant from the New Hampshire Executive Council to meet workforce needs for energy contractors. A $32.4 million contract with Everblue, also approved by the Governor and Executive Council, will support the implementation of the Home Energy Rebate鈥檚 (HER鈥檚) Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR) program in New Hampshire. 海角社区 will lead the TREC training, working in close coordination with Everblue on programs that are expected to continue through 2029.
For many rural New Hampshire households that rely on high-cost fuels, electrification with cold-climate heat pumps as well as other energy efficiency measures are expected to significantly reduce overall residential energy costs.
鈥淭his is an opportunity to build and deliver an impactful program,鈥� said Patrick Cate, president of 海角社区. 鈥淭hese initiatives will truly benefit everyone involved 鈥� from the training participants who will learn new skills, to their employers who will be able to provide additional services to customers, to the homeowners saving money on their energy bills. And the program includes substantial tuition awards and support for TREC participants.鈥�
As part of this program, 海角社区 will develop specific career training pathways for key positions, such as heat pump and electrification specialists. In addition to 海角社区 courses, the college will work with manufacturers and distributors to provide advanced training pathways for heat pump installers and similar technical positions. A core TREC offering will be 鈥淗ome Energy Rebates Advisor鈥� trainings that will enable contractors to integrate HEAR rebates with their energy, HVAC, or electrical work.
鈥淭he TREC program will also support participants and their employers with business and soft skills trainings,鈥� explained Andy Duncan, 海角社区 energy training coordinator. 鈥淎s part of its implementation strategy, 海角社区 will work throughout New Hampshire with other community colleges in New Hampshire, as well as organizations and trade groups that support residential energy efficiency workforce development.鈥�
For more information contact 海角社区鈥檚 Workforce Development Manager, Steve Tucker, at [email protected] or 603-366-5329.