Tomorrow’s energy efficiency workforce will be shaped by the actions we take today, and the energy efficiency sector is no small part of the energy workforce at large. A 2024 report by the Building Performance Association found that 2 of every 5 jobs in the energy sector are in energy efficiency. With many skilled tradespeople nearing retirement, the U.S. must prioritize a new generation of energy efficiency professionals.
A MEEA blog post earlier this year by Tanner Davies highlighted the Midwest debut of the Fundamentals of Energy Efficient Building Operations (FEEBO) training, a new offering from the well-established Building Operator Certification ® (BOC) program. Earlier this year, MEEA’s first FEEBO offering was delivered to a utility outreach team, helping to sharpen their understanding of the building systems whose operators they work with on efficiency programs.
This October, MEEA launched two trainings in Chicago with a new audience: trainees in workforce development programs that prepare participants for careers in clean energy and construction. The FEEBO training helps diversify the skillsets and job prospects for these trainees within the realm of skilled trades.
One of the groups that received the training was new member Association House, whose Clean Energy Jobs program prepares students for careers in the construction trades. The FEEBO training complemented a 6-week National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) training and Solar PV Installer Training. Alumni from Revolution Workshop, another MEEA member, joined the Association House cohort as well.
MEEA also delivered training to HIRE360’s Clean Energy cohort which, over the course of 9 weeks, learned about clean energy and how it applies to the building trades. The FEEBO training was added to a curriculum that also covered wind and solar energy, water sustainability and job site and union training center tours.
Students from both groups overwhelmingly expressed enthusiasm for the BOC curriculum and the instruction that they received from seasoned instructors. One student in the HIRE360 cohort explained that the training, “gave me the knowledge and skills to use in practical applications.”
“I never knew buildings were so intricate,” noted another student in the HIRE360 cohort, adding, “I may consider a career change after this class.”
Association House’s trainees were similarly excited about the course, with one stating, “I’ve learned information about HVAC, and how I can better indoor environmental quality (IEQ), plus save energy.”
MEEA hopes to see FEEBO offerings grow in partnership with community organizations and workforce development programs. The feeling from students seems to be mutual. “I learned more than I thought I would,” said another trainee, “this is something that I will be letting my friends know about.”
FEEBO is designed for those looking to start a career in commercial, institutional or multifamily building operations and maintenance, an often over-looked area of energy efficiency jobs. Adding FEEBO to existing workforce readiness programs can be a great complement to curricula that prepares workers for other skilled trades positions.
To schedule a FEEBO training or to learn more, email boc@mwalliance.org.