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Demand Assessment for Green Construction Training
1. Green Workforce Demand Assessment for
Lumber River Regional Construction Sector
Bladen | Hoke | Robeson | Scotland
Lumber River Workforce Development Board
Green Team
2. Table of Contents
Table of Contents ...................................................................................................................................................1
Purpose....................................................................................................................................................................2
Background ............................................................................................................................................................2
Definition of Terms ................................................................................................................................................2
Objectives................................................................................................................................................................2
Methodology ...........................................................................................................................................................3
Assessment Overview.............................................................................................................................................3
Interpreting Survey Data ......................................................................................................................................4
Key Findings from Survey ....................................................................................................................................4
Qualitative Feedback .............................................................................................................................................4
Assessment of Green Construction Trainings .....................................................................................................5
Energy Efficient Building, Weatherization, Retrofit, Rating & Assessment Trainings......................................................... 5
In-Door Environmental Quality Trainings ........................................................................................................................... 6
Deconstruction, Waste Reduction & Materials Use / Re-use Trainings ............................................................................. 7
Water / Waste-Water Trainings .......................................................................................................................................... 7
Renewable Power Trainings ................................................................................................................................................ 8
Other Trainings......................................................................................................................................................8
Capacity Building, Job Placement & Job Creation ............................................................................................8
Community College Snapshot...............................................................................................................................9
Bladen Community College ................................................................................................................................................. 9
Richmond Community College ............................................................................................................................................ 9
Robeson Community College .............................................................................................................................................. 9
Sandhills Community College ............................................................................................................................................ 10
Conclusion ............................................................................................................................................................10
Prospective Training Timeline............................................................................................................................11
Appendix ......................................................................................................................................................... 13-19
A. Green Construction Survey Results ....................................................................................................................... 13-17
B. NCESC Data Table ....................................................................................................................................................... 18
C. EMSI Occupation Reports: .......................................................................................................................................... 19
a. Energy Efficiency............................................................................................................... Attached Separately
b. Solar Power....................................................................................................................... Attached Separately
1
3. Green Workforce Demand Assessment for
Lumber River Regional Construction Sector
Bladen | Hoke | Robeson | Scotland
Completed: March 11, 2011
Purpose
The primary purpose of this Assessment is to determine the demand for green construction skills from regional
employers so that training opportunities (leading to industry-recognized certifications) can be created that best
meet both the immediate and projected workforce needs of individuals and businesses that are working or
intend to expand into these sectors.
Background
The Lumber River Workforce Development Board (LRWDB) is participating as one of four project teams in the
State Energy Sector Partnership (SESP) grant. Funds are provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment
Act (ARRA) and were awarded to the LRWDB by the North Carolina Department of Commerce. By January
2013, the grant intends to serve a minimum of 210 participants in the green construction and sustainable
agriculture sectors by paying for training costs (e.g. tuition, fees, supplies, etc), paid work experience (i.e.
internships, apprenticeships, or OJT), and if necessary, support services (e.g. travel, child care, etc). Of the 210
participants, a minimum of 135 will receive training and credentials in a green construction related field. This
Assessment deals exclusively with the green construction component of the grant.
Definition of Terms
For the purposes of this grant, the term “Green Construction” may include the following sectors and sub-
sectors: energy-efficient / high-performance building, weatherization (Wx), energy retrofit, rating and
assessment industries serving residential, commercial or industrial sectors; in-door environmental quality
related to mold abatement, lead paint or asbestos remediation; deconstruction, waste reduction, and materials
use / re-use industries; water and waste water management (non-municipal); manufacturers that produce
sustainable products using environmentally sustainable processes and materials; and energy efficient and
advanced drive train vehicle industries.
Objectives
Assessing the skills, credentials and workforce needs of existing construction professionals in our region is a
critical component in determining the best demand-driven blend of training opportunities pertaining to green
construction.
The Assessment was conducted to achieve the following objectives:
Assess contractors’ training needs and demand for green construction skills from our workforce
Determine the specific trainings and certifications that would meet those needs
Formulate a Plan of Action with regional educational institutions and / or other training providers
Gather information from contractors and construction-related businesses to develop a collaborative
network of resources and tools that can be utilized to support the growth of these sectors
2
4. Methodology
Our team engaged contractors and businesses across Bladen, Hoke, Robeson, and Scotland Counties with
different methods including: presentations to both Robeson and Scotland Home Builders Associations (HBAs);
creating and distributing nearly 150 Green Construction Surveys by mail and email; conducting individual
interviews by telephone and personally visiting numerous contractors. Contractors from all trades (e.g.
electrical, mechanical, plumbing, etc) and all segments (residential, commercial, industrial) were included
(Survey Q1) because each has unique relevance among the diversity of green construction sectors. A wide-
range in the size of businesses that responded (based on number of workers employed) was another diversifying
element of the Assessment (Survey Q10). From these efforts, we were able to gather the qualitative feedback
and quantitative metrics necessary to meet the objectives previously stated.
Assessment Overview
The results suggest that there is a lack of exposure to green construction skills among the region’s workforce,
mostly stemming from a lack of demand for those products and services. From conducting the survey and
speaking with a wide range of construction professionals across our four counties, it is evident that the
economic downturn has contributed to a severe slowdown in construction related activities – especially new
construction.1 For most contractors, the majority of their current revenue is derived from renovations and
remodeling. A prudent training initiative would have to respond to that reality by shifting emphasis towards
those labor skills. With green construction, that translates into building performance contracting, energy-
efficient retrofits, weatherization, home energy upgrades and other skill sets that address renovation work to
existing buildings. Specific trainings are discussed later in this report.
The cost premium (or perceived costs) of green products or services was cited as a driving factor for the lack of
“green” projects in the region. That sentiment alone highlights the problematic nature of how “green” is
defined, since the return-on-investment (or payback period) varies greatly depending on both the type and
application of that particular product or service. Many “green” products and services do have an associated up
front cost that can often be offset with federal and state tax incentives (or direct rebates). Basic payback
calculations for home energy upgrades clearly support these initiatives. And when fully realized, these
incentives can make photovoltaic (PV) systems an attractive investment. However, many consumers around our
region on average have little or no discretionary income and are being more conservative with spending habits,
which obviously leads to less demand for higher cost-related items (e.g. PV systems). This too will influence
the focus of training away from renewable energy technologies (typically more costly) and more in the direction
of energy efficiency. With the cost of energy on the rise once again, consumers are looking for ways to reduce
their utility and heating bills.2
The cost of training was also one of the main reasons many companies have not upgraded their workforce with
these skills. Most of the companies surveyed (89%), or interviewed in person, expressed interest in participating
in a program where the costs were lower or subsidized, and the training schedule flexible. Despite contractors
admitting that it is difficult to justify the training expense due to the low, or niche demand for some of these
skills, there were glaring exceptions. For example, a prominent HVAC company that operates both in and
outside our region has experienced a 10-fold increase in the number of geothermal heat pumps installed, as well
as a similar increase in solar panel (PV) systems for homes in recent years. The company went on to say that as
people become more educated regarding the systems (including the associated tax incentives) and the economy
1
Between 2007-2009, applications for building permits declined by greater than 50% (Robeson) according to the Robeson County
Building Inspection Office.
2
See EIA: http://www.eia.doe.gov/steo/gifs/Fig23.gif
3
5. recovers, they expect a significant increase in demand for those types of systems. Such evidence helps to
legitimize the need to diversify the overall scope of training opportunities. The latter half of this Assessment
describes and recommends such a blend of trainings for our region’s workforce.
Interpreting Survey Data
When analyzing the survey results, it is important to note that the scope of possible trainings and certifications
was narrower (i.e. primarily focused on energy efficient / green building) than how the term “green
construction” is defined on page one. This is due primarily to the early development of the survey itself where
other certifications (e.g. ABPA Back-flow Preventer) were not yet considered. Simplicity and practicality were
also factors in constructing a survey that addressed the grant’s core focus and was concise enough to complete
in a reasonable amount of time for business leaders.
Key Findings from Survey
Roughly half of respondents (49%) said they would hire, or likely hire, workers that have advanced /
green construction certifications (Survey Q4).
89% would definitely / likely have current employees trained in advanced / green certification
programs, if the training costs were covered (Survey Q6).
Approximately 1 in 4 companies surveyed said they perform or offer energy efficiency products or
green services (Survey Q2) but few (<10% on average) actually possessed an industry-recognized
certification (Survey Q3).
LEED Certification was the most recognizable green certification. GreenAdvantage was the least
recognizable certifications (Survey Q3).
Close to 60% of respondents cited cost, lack of skilled workers, lack of demand, and equipment
costs as inhibitors to hiring workers with those skills. 70% cited lack of demand as the main barrier
to hiring those individuals (Survey Q5).
Over 70% of survey respondents stated that cost of training / recertification was the main barrier to
training their current workforce in these skills, followed closely by time away from work and a lack
of demand for those skills (Survey Q7).
Over 87% felt flexible classroom scheduling, flexible field testing, paid apprenticeships, and/or
subsidized on-the-job-training would be beneficial to their company (Survey Q9).
Qualitative Feedback
The insight gained from phone and in-person interviews was without question the most valuable source of
information for this Assessment. Although there were clear consistencies found between the survey and
interviews, when speaking outside the limited view of the survey, contractors revealed a more amiable
perspective towards green sector opportunities as well as showing a strong interest in several different
construction-related trainings that fall within the grant’s scope of allowable trainings (e.g. lead paint abatement
certifications). Those consistencies coupled with a few exceptions that surfaced throughout the Assessment,
point toward a more complete picture of what the immediate and projected demand for green construction
training looks like around our region. The following section addresses these specific trainings; the
corresponding certification; and additional information that will be useful to our local community colleges,
training providers, employers, key stakeholders, JobLink centers, and others involved in creating these training
opportunities around our region.
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6. Assessment of Green Construction Trainings
Energy-efficient building, Weatherization (Wx), Energy Retrofit, Rating and Assessment Industries
Institute: Building Performance Institute (BPI)
Certification(s): Building Analyst (BA)
Envelope (Env)
Weatherization Technician (Wx Tech / WHALC)
Relevant Trades: HVAC / mechanical, Insulators, General Contractors, remodelers
Nearest Provider: Richmond Community College (Laurinburg)3; Central Carolina Community College
(Sanford); Cape Fear Green Building Alliance (Wilmington)
Pre-requisite: Construction experience recommended; high school math competency
Course Format: 32 class hours; 8 hours field testing
Costs: $500 Field Exam & Test Fees; does not include training
Re-Certification: 3 years ($200)
Webpage: http://www.bpi.org/
Demand Response: BPI is a nationally recognized leader in home performance training. Participants gain
skills to work in weatherization programs, assess building performance, energy auditing,
remediation, and execute job site fixes. With renovation and remodeling accounting for
the vast majority of construction in our region, these skills offer contractors new and
advanced training necessary to meet customers’ needs for greater energy efficiency and
home performance.
Institute: NCCER
Certification(s): Intro to Wx → Wx Tech Level 1 → Building Auditor Level 2 or Wx Crew Chief
Fundamentals of Weatherization (90hrs, includes NCCER Core)
Relevant Trades: HVAC, carpentry, renovators, and other general construction trades
Nearest Provider: Robeson Community College4; Pitt Community College
Pre-requisite: Construction experience not required for Fundamentals of Wx
Course Format: 90 hours (Wx Fundamentals); 17.5 hours (Intro); 145 hours (Wx Tech) 162 hours (Wx
Crew Chief); 172 hours (Building Auditor)
Costs: $62 trainee guide/text; course cost dependent on college
Re-Certification: 12 hours of CE credits every 2 years
Webpage: http://www.nccer.org/green.aspx
Demand Response: This is a completely new training curriculum from NCCER that offers a career pathway
in the weatherization field. The Fundamentals of Weatherization course (90 hours)
includes the NCCER Core. For students that already have completed NCCER Core, they
could move directly into the Intro class (17.5 hours) and then onto higher levels. Because
the curriculum is new, it will be important to take a close look at course details,
equipment requirements, and overall costs. The career pathway in Wx is a definite
upside.
Institute: LEED – US Green Building Council (North Carolina LEED Triangle Chapter)
3
Richmond Community College is currently applying to become a certified BPI Affiliate and expect to achieve this accreditation later
this spring by partnering with Green Collar Crew, Inc. (Charlotte, NC).
4
Robeson Community College – Continuing Ed. and PSRC Career Center have curriculum alignment with NCCER. Although the
NCCER Core class did not make in January 2011, the SESP grant could provide training funding for the Fundamentals of
Weatherization course which includes the NCCER Core curriculum. This course serves as a career pathway in weatherization.
5
7. Certification(s): LEED Green Associate
Relevant Trades: Commercial sector Crew chiefs, Foremen, General Contractors, Design,
Nearest Provider: Central Carolina Community College (Sanford); NC LEED Triangle Chapter (Raleigh)
Pre-requisite: LEED GA is now the prerequisite for the LEED AP
Course Format: 12 - 15 hours class prep
Costs: $200 Test Fees; does not include training
Re-Certification: 15 hours of CE credits every 2 years ($50)
Webpage: http://www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CMSPageID=1815
Demand Response: Course is designed to introduce participants to the US Green Building Council's
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Green Rating System. The LEED Green
Associate is now the prerequisite for LEED AP – the nationally recognized certification
for LEED builders, contractors, architects, and other building professionals. Contractors
around our region are interested in acquiring LEED certification to incorporate into their
building practices and services. The LEED GA & AP accreditations are focused
primarily on the commercial sector, whereas LEED AP Homes is the only residential
credential for LEED.
In-door Environmental Quality Training
Institute: EPA / NC DHHS / Health Hazards Control Unit (HHCU)
Certification(s): Lead-Safe Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP)
Relevant Trades: Renovators, remodelers, painters, general construction, environmental
Nearest Provider: Fayetteville Technical Community College
Pre-requisite: Construction experience recommended
Course Format: 1 – 2 day class
Costs: $250 class + certification; vary by training provider
Re-Certification: 3 years
Webpage: http://www.epi.state.nc.us/epi/lead/lhmp.html
Demand Response: In 2010, new regulations required renovators to be certified in safe lead removal. And
again, because much of the construction now is in the form of renovation and remodels of
existing, older structures, this training is in high demand so that renovators stay in
compliance.
Institute: EPA / NC DHHS / Health Hazards Control Unit (HHCU)
Certification(s): Asbestos Worker Initial
Relevant Trades: Renovators, remodelers, general construction, environmental
Nearest Provider: Republic Industries, Inc. (Wilmington); The EI Group, Inc. (Morrisville)
Pre-requisite: Construction experience recommended; high school math competency
Course Format: 4 days (32 hours)
Costs: $350 vary depending on training provider
Re-Certification: 3 years
Webpage: http://www.epi.state.nc.us/epi/asbestos.html
Demand Response: Because much of the construction now is in the form of renovation and remodels of
existing, older structures, this training is in high demand so that renovators stay in
compliance.
Institute: EPA / NC DHHS / Health Hazards Control Unit (HHCU)
Certification(s): Certified Mold Remediation Contractor (CMRC)
Relevant Trades: Renovators, remodelers, environmental
6
8. Nearest Provider: Micro Inc. & several others
Pre-requisite: Construction experience recommended; high school math competency
Course Format: 2 days
Costs: $365; vary depending on training provider
Re-Certification: 3 years
Webpage: http://www.moldcareer.com/mold-remediation-contractor-cmrc.php
Demand Response: Because much of the construction now is in the form of renovation and remodels of
existing, older structures, this training is in demand.
Deconstruction, Waste Reduction, and Materials Use / Re-use Industries
Institute: Institute of Inspection, Cleaning & Restoration Certification (IICRC Restoration Coach)
Certification(s): Water Damage Restoration Tech (WRT); Applied Structural Drying Tech (ASD)
Relevant Trades: Environmental, General Contractors, remodelers, dry wall, carpeting, other
Nearest Provider: Florida, Ohio
Pre-requisite: Construction experience recommended
Course Format: 32 class hours; 8 hours field testing
Costs: $1,200-$1,450 combo class
Webpage: http://www.restorationcoach.com/
Demand Response: In flood situations, interior components of a building that are affected by water are often
deconstructed and hauled off as waste. These trainings teach skills in how to properly dry
much of the building’s structure and components (e.g. drywall, carpet) and divert the
waste. There are only six of these specialized training facilities in the world – the closest
being Florida. This will be an incumbent worker training grant opportunity for a regional
company interested in applying. Travel will not be reimbursable for out-of-state training.
Water / Waste-Water Management (non-municipal)
Institute: American Backflow Preventer Association (ABPA)
Certification(s): ABPA Certified Backflow Preventer Technician
Relevant Trades: Plumbers, water and waste water technicians
Nearest Provider: Central Piedmont Community College (Charlotte); Wilson Community College (Wilson)
Pre-requisite: 2 years of backflow preventer experience recommended; plumbing experience required
Course Format: 2 days
Costs: $100
Re-Certification: 3 years ($85)
Webpage: http://abpa.org/tester.htm
Demand Response: New regulations and requirements for commercial and industrial backflow preventer
controls. This is a specialized training opportunity for regional plumbers or similarly
skilled construction professionals to diversify their services.
Renewable Electric Power Industries
Institute: North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP)
Certification(s): Certified PV Installer; Certified Solar Thermal Installer
Relevant Trades: Electrical, plumbing, roofing, welding, general construction
Nearest Provider: NC Solar Center
Pre-requisite: Specialized trade experience
Course Format: 5 days; exam
7
9. Costs: $950 class; $400 exam
Re-Certification: 3 years ($300 exam)
Webpage: http://www.ncsc.ncsu.edu/
Demand Response: Solar PV and Thermal are emerging with one or two firms potentially establishing
manufacturing facilities5 and solar farms in the region. Businesses and residences are
beginning to request this product more frequently. March 15th is the deadline for
community colleges to apply for the NC Solar Center’s SMAPSIT program. The
successful applicant is allowed to send instructors to the Solar Center and receive free
training in NABCEP Solar PV and Solar Thermal training and certification preparation.
Solar Thermal (solar hot water) is typically the more economically-viable technology.
Other Trainings
Regional economic developers and other officials are in conversations with companies interested in utilizing
biomass boilers to sell electricity back into the grid. In the event that one or both companies decide to locate
within the region, training opportunities that pertain to biomass boilers (renewable power generation) could be
made available.
There are other certifications and trainings pertaining to green building that may be organized in independent
workshops. The National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB) Certified Green Professional (CGP) is of
interest to several contractors around the region. RESNET’s Home Energy Survey Professional (HESP) is yet
another certification that targets home energy efficiency at a very basic level. Building suppliers and home
improvement stores may have sales representatives interested in this training.
Capacity Building, Job Placement & Job Creation
It is important to distinguish these trainings by how they might each impact the workforce differently.
Especially when thinking in terms of the business development that will be critical to the success of new energy
efficient building, weatherization, and performance contracting ventures. Gearing initial trainings towards
contractors should help increase awareness and implementation of these new skills into business practices. If
successful, employers will capitalize on the value of those skills and demand should increase for weatherization
technicians, energy auditors, and similar trades. A viable career path will emerge for workers in these fields as
businesses strengthen.
At this point, the number of full-time employees (FTEs) expected to be generated among existing and / or new
businesses in these sub-sectors is difficult to estimate. But based on employer feedback, regional employment
data6 and sector-specific occupation reports7, it is reasonable to establish these trainings and then adjust the
frequency of course offerings based on demand changes.
Trainings that focus on in-door environmental quality are ideal not only for incumbent workers that lack
required credentials or skills to remain in secured employment, but also to individuals seeking work with
renovators and remodelers. The same could be said of the waste water management and water restoration
trainings – both unique credentials that could provide the individual or incumbent worker with a specialized
niche and potentially a competitive edge in the workforce.
5
Currently the name of the solar manufacturers must remain confidential.
6
NCESC: Lumber River WDB – Insured Employment for Industries Potentially Involved in Green Economic Activities within the
Energy Efficiency & Agricultural and Natural Resources Conservation – see table in Appendix B
7
EMSI Regional Occupation Reports: Energy Efficiency & Solar Power – see report in Appendix C
8
10. Community College Snapshot
Based on the variations in construction sector characteristics across our region, and differences in educational
resources, certain trainings will have a more logical “fit” with some colleges over others. The snapshot below
includes the trainings that correspond with the counties where Assessment feedback and information was
gathered. Each county is served by a different college:
Bladen Community College
Characteristics of County Construction Sectors: New construction remains slow; renovations and remodeling
are primary sources of revenue for construction companies. Contractors report that home owners frequently
express interest in ways they can reduce energy bills. Some contractors have built EnergyStar homes both in
and outside of Bladen County. One contractor expressed interest in becoming LEED AP certified.
Relevant Trainings:
Energy-efficient building, Weatherization (Wx), Energy Retrofit / Home Energy Upgrades, Rating and
Assessment Industries (BPI, NCCER Wx Courses)
In-Door Environmental Quality (lead paint renovator, asbestos, mold abatement)
ABPA Certified Backflow Preventer Technician (specifically requested by a Bladen contractor)
LEED Green Associate & AP training (GBCI)
Richmond Community College
Characteristics of County Construction Sectors: New construction remains slow; renovations and remodeling
are primary sources of revenue for construction companies. Contractors report that home owners frequently
express interest in ways they can reduce energy bills. There are businesses in Scotland County (e.g. Service
Thread Manufacturing Inc.) that are very progressive and highly successful with implementing renewable
energy power generation and energy efficient upgrades. Richmond Community College has been proactive in
working towards becoming a BPI Affiliate. Their satellite campus in Laurinburg (Honeycutt Center) already
had much of the equipment and their facility is geared to conduct the training.
Relevant Trainings:
Energy-efficient building, Weatherization (Wx), Energy Retrofit / Home Energy Upgrades, Rating and
Assessment Industries (BPI certifications)
In-Door Environmental Quality (lead paint renovator, asbestos, mold abatement)
ABPA Certified Backflow Preventer Technician
Solar Thermal (solar hot water) Systems (NABCEP)
Robeson Community College
Characteristics of County Construction Sectors: New construction remains slow; renovations and remodeling
are primary sources of revenue for construction companies. Contractors report that home owners frequently
express interest in ways they can reduce energy bills. There are businesses and organizations in Robeson
County that are progressive and successful with building energy efficient structures (e.g. DHHS’s new LEED
building; 50+ EnergyStar homes of the Lumbee Tribe). Robeson Community College and PSRC Career Center
has NCCER master instructors that could build a weatherization program that compliments Richmond
Community College’s BPI Program. A historically strong welding program could incorporate the fabrication of
Solar Thermal (solar hot water) panels. Several contractors expressed interest in becoming LEED AP certified.
Those that are already LEED certified are interested in having a local training provider of CE credits for the
purposes of re-certification.
9
11. Relevant Trainings:
Energy-efficient building, Weatherization (Wx), Energy Retrofit / Home Energy Upgrades, Rating and
Assessment Industries (NCCER certifications)
In-Door Environmental Quality (lead paint renovator, asbestos, mold abatement)
ABPA Certified Backflow Preventer Technician
Solar Thermal (solar hot water) Systems (NABCEP)
LEED Green Associate & AP training (GBCI)
Sandhills Community College
Characteristics of County Construction Sectors: Hoke County has seen an increase in new construction and
begun to benefit from the BRAC expansion. Surrounding counties to the east (Cumberland) and northwest
(Moore) have experienced economic growth that well-exceeds state and national growth rates. Median incomes
for residents of these surrounding counties are higher than the Lumber River four-county region. Solar
companies in these areas have been installing PV systems for years and there is a Green Home Builders
Association in Moore County. Training in solar PV installation, as well as green building design (LEED) would
help to serve the workforce needs of businesses in these sectors.
Relevant Trainings:
LEED Green Associate & LEED AP certifications
Solar PV Installers (NABCEP)
Solar Thermal (solar hot water) Installers (NABCEP)
Energy-efficient building, Weatherization (Wx), Energy Retrofit / Home Energy Upgrades, Rating and
Assessment Industries (BPI certifications)
In-Door Environmental Quality (lead paint renovator, asbestos, mold abatement)
ABPA Certified Backflow Preventer Technician
Conclusion
It is unlikely that all of the trainings described above will be offered, but they do represent a practical blend of
opportunities that respond to the varied demands from construction sector employers across this region. When
outside training providers are brought into the region, community college instructors are eligible to receive
training and other assistance dedicated to the effort of that college becoming a provider of that training itself
(e.g. Richmond Community College as BPI Affiliate). In situations where the college is not interested in
becoming an accredited training provider, their instructors may still apply for training and host the workshop.
This may be the case with certain trainings for some of our colleges if there are sufficient participants in the
area to justify a local workshop. Without the colleges and local educational institutions having an active role
with these programs, the probability of these initiatives achieving a legacy of sustained success will be greatly
diminished.
Developing partnerships will therefore be essential to the long-term success and sustainability of this workforce
training initiative. Four County Community Services, their weatherization contractors, and Richmond
Community College’s BPI training is an example of key stakeholders coming together with shared interests that
yield mutual benefit. In other regions around North Carolina, community colleges collaborate on how their
differentiated training programs might compliment and work together.8 Establishing a common strategy
8
Sustainable Energy Training partnerships between Pitt, Beaufort, Lenoir, & Roanoke-Chowan Community Colleges (see:
http://www.pittcc.edu/continuing-education/programs/occupational-extension/weatherization.html)
10
12. between our area’s four colleges9 would help to leverage training resources and certainly be of great benefit in
developing a region-wide weatherization program that is accessible and non-duplicative.
We will also look to the utilities of our region as key partners. Both Progress Energy and Lumbee River EMC
have clear targets that are set by the state of North Carolina’s Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard (REPS).
Meeting those energy efficiency and renewable energy requirements represent tangible business opportunities
and sustained source of demand well into the future.
Lastly, it is imperative to highlight the businesses that have already stepped forward and currently operate in
these sectors. They all contributed valuable insight during this Assessment process and expressed an interest
and willingness to act as Green Champions with the initiatives that are relevant to their businesses. Some of
these champions are: Envirodynamics, LLC; Lowry Construction & Mechanical, Inc.; Lumbee Enterprise
Development, Inc.; RGS Builders, Inc.; Simmons Heating & Air, Inc.; T & L Complete Construction;
Whitehead Enterprises, Inc.
Prospective Training Timeline
Spring 2011
March 15: NC Solar Center – SMAPSIT Deadline for PV & Solar Thermal Applications (NABCEP)
March 17: Green Conference: engage community, collaborate, and begin enrolling participants
April 4-8: BPI Building Analyst & Envelope Training @ Richmond Community College
April: IIRC Water Restoration Tech & Structural Drying Training (pending grantees)
May 22-25: BPI Weatherization Technician Training @ Richmond Community College
May: EPA Lead Training (RRP) @ TBD
Summer 2011
June: BPI Weatherization
June: ABPA Backflow Preventer Training
June: NCCER Fundamentals of Wx
June: NABCEP Training (Solar PV & Thermal) @ NC Solar Center (pending)
July / August: Work Experience (apprenticeships, OJT)
Fall 2011
August: NCCER Wx Technician (Level 1)
August: BPI Building Analyst & Envelope
Sept / Oct: EPA Lead Training (RRP); Asbestos & Mold Training @ TBD
Work Experience continued
Winter 2011 / 12
Dec / Jan: LEED Green Associate @ TBD
Jan: NCCER Wx Crew Chief
Jan: BPI Training
Work Experience (apprenticeships, OJT) continued
9
Bladen, Richmond, Robeson, and Sandhills Community Colleges reside within the Lumber River Workforce Development region.
11
13. Spring 2012
March / Apr: BPI Training continued
March / Apr: NCCER Training continued
Apr / May: NABCEP Solar Thermal / PV Training @ NC Solar Center
Work Experience (apprenticeships, OJT) continued
Summer 2012
June / July: EPA Lead Training (RRP); Asbestos & Mold Training @ TBD
July / Aug: ABPA Backflow Preventer Training @ TBD
Work Experience (apprenticeships, OJT) continued
Fall 2012
Aug: NCCER Building Auditor
Aug: BPI Training
Work Experience (apprenticeships, OJT) continued
Winter 2012
LEED AP Training @ TBD
Work Experience (apprenticeships, OJT) continued
SESP
State Energy Sector Partnership Grant
“Funds provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) to the State of North Carolina /
Lumber River Workforce Development Board – an Equal Opportunity Employer / Program with auxiliary
aids and services available upon request to individuals with disabilities”
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