Energy Efficiency Academy - Empowering Michigan

DTE Energy has partnered with Walker-Miller Energy Services (Walker-Miller) to launch the Energy Efficiency Academy, our newest workforce development program aimed at helping meet the growing demand for energy-efficient home repairs in Detroit. The Academy is designed to fuel the energy efficiency industry by providing access to trainings, certifications, mentorship and resources to help meet the needs of a clean energy economy.

The Academy will offer two separate programs:

1) Workforce Development

2) Industry Development

Workforce Development

The Workforce Development program provides city of Detroit and metro Detroit residents with a paid, multi-week Energy Efficiency and Clean Energy training through the Building Performance Institute (BPI) and State of Michigan. Participants will receive professional guidance and be connected to a recruitment network for clean energy jobs with competitive wages including benefits, driven by today’s competitive job market. Participants who complete the training can look forward to career pathways spanning across the weatherization, HVAC, insulation, lead abatement and home performance skilled trades industries.

Novice Training:

6-week instructional program to gain skills and knowledge about energy efficiency and lead safe topics
On-the-job training with local contractors, training home walk-throughs and energy audit prep for field exam
Participants will earn:
- OSHA 10
- Building Science Principles (BSP)
- Building Analyst Technician (BA-T) certifications
- Building Analyst Professional (BA-P)
- State of Michigan Lead Abatement Worker License
  
  State Program start dates:
  
  Detroit Novice Cohort 1 – March 2, 2026
  Detroit Novice Cohort 2 – March 30, 2026
  Grand Rapids Novice Cohort 3 – March 30, 2026

Here’s a glimpse into what Workforce Development participants will learn about the clean energy industry, along with examples of roles and job demonstrations associated with common energy efficiency careers.

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DTE Energy Efficiency Academy trainee check to see if water heater is creating a backdraft

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DTE Energy Efficiency Academy trainee check to see if water heater is creating a backdraft

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DTE Energy Efficiency Academy trainer shows trainees how to check combustion level in furance unit

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DTE Energy Efficiency Academy trainer shows trainee how to measure perimeter of home

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DTE Energy Efficiency Academy trainee checks combustion level in furance unit from exhaust point outside test house with combustion analyzer

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DTE Energy Efficiency Academy trainee checks combustion level in furance unit from exhaust point outside test house with combustion analyzer

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DTE Energy Efficiency Academy trainee checks for carbon monoxide from kitchen oven

DTE Energy Efficiency Academy trainee sets up blower door frame

DTE Energy Efficiency Academy trainee installing blower door fan

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DTE Energy Efficiency Academy trainee sets up blower door manometer to test house leakage

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DTE Energy Efficiency Academy trainee checking house leakage using pressure pan over electrical outlet

DTE Energy Efficiency Academy trainee checking duct leakage using a manometer

Program Start Dates:

Detroit Novice Cohort 1 – March 2, 2026

Detroit Novice Cohort 2 – March 30, 2026

Grand Rapids Novice Cohort 3 – March 30, 2026

Program Requirements:

Valid Driver’s License

High School Diploma or GED

Age of 18 or older

Are you ready to take the first step into Workforce Development?

Detroit Novice Cohort 2

Application Deadline: March 20, 2026

Grand Rapids Novice Cohort 3

Application Deadline: March 20, 2026

Have additional questions about Workforce Development?

Email us

Industry Development

The Industry Development Program– Diverse Business Incubator with BPI Certification is a no-cost, in-person training designed to support diverse contractors through technical upskilling, Building Performance Institute (BPI) certification pathways, and targeted business growth support.

The Industry Development Program acts as a Diverse Contractor Incubator to:

Educate diverse Weatherization, Air Duct Sealing, Electrical, HVAC, Insulation, Weatherization, or General Contractors on how to work with DTE’s energy efficiency portfolio to serve income-qualified customers.
Obtain Building Performance Institute (BPI) certifications.
- Building Science Principals (BSP)
- Building Analyst Technician (BA-T)
- Building Analyst Professional (BA-P)
Promote energy efficiency products and services to customers.
Network with the community, businesses and other resources to help them build capacity, drive revenue growth and transition into the energy efficiency industry.

Contractors must commit to the following criteria to be considered for participation:

Willing and able to serve customers who reside primarily within Detroit
Must commit to a 3-month training program (June to August) divided into two phases:
- Phase I: Weekly in-person workshops for
  8 weeks: Once a week, 2 hours a day worhshop series
  4 Weeks (BPI Certification): Three days a week, 8 hours a day
  BPI Training (dates shared upon acceptance).
- Phase II: One-on-one mentorship with program staff, covering back-office support and growth planning
Committed to attending an in-person graduation and networking events (dates shared upon acceptance)
Agree to a release for DTE to use photos and videos of you, your business and company logo for any marketing or promotional purposes.

WFD Trainee reviews his practice exam results in preparation for the Building Analyst Professional (BA-P) Exam