PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Trainees accepted into the program will receive 40 hours per week of real-world on-the-job training (OJT) and mentorship while job shadowing a plumbing contractor during the normal course of business. Trainees will be paid $20/hour + receive a full set of tools (upon completing the program) while gaining hands-on experience installing water heaters across the Portland Metro Area and learning from a variety of roles within the plumbing contractor's business.

Participants of the Water Heater Installer Academy will learn how to install all types of water heaters with a strong focus on Heat Pump Water Heaters -- a highly energy efficient type of water heater technology that is rapidly growing in popularity thanks to new local, state and federal Home Energy Rebate programs that are designed to help us meet our climate goals. 

Participants will also be supported (and fees covered) to take the Residential Water Heater Installer license exam with the State of Oregon.

The valuable skills and experience that trainees will gain during this Academy will prepare them to be job-ready and will make them valuable candidates when applying for jobs working under residential plumbing contractors upon completion of the program. 

This program is hosted by Earth Advantage and the opportunity has been made available thanks to our partners at Energy Trust of Oregon and Portland General Electric through a U.S. Department of Energy grant. 
 


CAREER PATHWAY

The Water Heater Installer and Plumbing pathway offers excellent career potential with many benefits and opportunities for new workers:

  • High demand for new workers entering the industry
  • Living wage compensation starting at entry-level positions
  • Well-established career ladders and high potential for growth and advancement
  • Mechanically-oriented work in sectors with rapidly advancing technology
  • Ability to contribute positively towards community climate goals
  • According to O*NET, below are the localized wage ranges for Plumbers in the Portland Metro Area (based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor):




ACADEMY APPLICATION DETAILS

One position is available and applications will be open in October 2024 and the Academy will begin in early 2025 (approx January) for 12 weeks in duration. 

Applicants must be either currently participating in, or have completed a training program with one of the following training partners:

  • Portland YouthBuilders
  • Constructing Hope
  • Oregon Tradeswomen
  • Portland Opportunities Industrialization Center
  • LatinoBuilt

Required Qualifications:

  • Have completed Earth Advantage's 'Introduction to Sustainable Homes & Careers' training with a pre-apprenticeship partner
  • Have expressed interest in technical field work and the Water Heater Installer plumbing profession
  • Can commit to completing the full Academy time requirement: up to 40 hours per week on a 12-week term for a total of 480 hours.
  • Supply their own vehicle and maintain reliable transportation to/from job sites (mileage reimbursement provided)
  • Have a driver's license, clean driving record, and insurance
  • Reside in or near the Portland Metro Area
  • Have a high school diploma or GED
  • Be proficient in the English language
  • Ability to lift up to 100 pounds
  • Be over 18 years of age
  • A background check and drug test will be conducted and must be passed in order to be hired for the program. In the event an applicant does not initially pass, the program team will conduct an individualized assessment to determine if the results impacts the applicant's ability to perform the services of this program, and a decision will be made on a case by case basis.
  • The selected candidate will need to pass a physical test prior to program start indicating successful ability to perform heavy lifting. 

Applicants must submit their resume and cover letter via the "Apply Now" link at the bottom of this page.
 


COMPENSATION DETAILS

  • 40 hours per week on a 12-week term (480 hours total)
  • $20/hour training stipend provided for the duration of the program
  • Mileage reimbursements provided for driving to job sites at $0.67/mile
  • Uniform and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will be provided
  • Tool set will be provided and retained by the trainee following successful completion of the program
     

OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

Location: Based in Portland, Oregon with occasional training days at GNWI facility in Ridgefield, WA.
Program Timing: Academy 2 will start in early 2025

We are looking for a reliable, team-oriented person who has good commiunciation skills and a passion for sustainable trades. The ideal candidate is someone who is looking to start their career in this sector, and has an interest in advancing energy efficient and sustainable building practices. 

The participant selected for this program will gain foundational skills in plumbing, water heater installation, and building science. The program will also assist the participant with developing professional communication, collaborative teamwork, and problem-solving skills, while helping them begin a career in the residential plumbing sector.
 

Academy Activities:
  • Provide support and training for new workers to gain experience and start a career in Water Heater Installation.
  • Provide entry level experience that helps trainees prepare to eventually pursue the Water Heater Installer (WHI) CCB Licensure Exam (may extend beyond the 12-week Academy duration). 
  • Gain an understanding of water heater and heat pump water heater (HPWH) installation principles and practices through in-field mentorship with an emphasis on energy efficiency projects located within the Portland Metro area. 
  • Shadow and assist Great Northwest Installations in-field and in-office team members to learn about associated processes and checklists/forms that apply to residential (single-family) water heater installation projects.

 

Academy Host & Mentors



 

Great Northwest Installations is a family-owned and operated company backed by over 20 years of experience and committed to helping homeowners to conserve energy when it comes to water heating, heating & cooling, and plumbing needs. With a specialty in heat pump technology, Great Northwest is the premier energy efficient water heater installation company in the Pacific Northwest. Great Northwest Installations is the primary contractor and main trainer for the Academy, serving as host and employer for the workforce trainees participating in the Academy.

EnerCity Collaborative

ECC is a nonprofit working to ensure the financial, environmental, and health benefits of a clean energy economy are fully realized in BIPOC, underserved, and frontline communities. Our role in the HPWH Academy will be to help recruit candidates for the program, and offer mentorship and support regarding certification and training needed to excel in a rewarding career in the energy efficiency industry.

Earth Advantage

Earth Advantage is an Oregon non-profit organization focused on making the construction and real estate industries healthier and more humane. Earth Advantage works with community-based partners to deliver customized workforce training to prepare new tradespersons for living wage careers in the green building trades. Earth Advantage has initiated this program and coordinated program activities and trainings. 

 

At Earth Advantage we believe that climate change is a challenge that crosses boundaries of income, race, ethnicity, religion, age, abilities, geography, gender identities, sexual orientation, and disproportionately affects disadvantaged populations. We actively support and value diversity in company culture, the recruitment of staff and board members, and in our partnerships with organizations and individuals in order to propel the building industry toward a socially, economically, and environmentally just future.

This opportunity was made possible in part thanks to support from Energy Trust of Oregon. All application information is confidential. Earth Advantage and Energy Trust of Oregon will not disclose any information without the applicant's consent.

* No phone calls please *