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 training for Building Analyst and Healthy Home Evaluator certifications through the Building Performance Institute (BPI). 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 electric, HVAC, insulation and home performance skilled trades industries.

Novice Training:

7-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), Healthy Housing Principles and Building Analyst Technician (BA-T) certifications

Program start date: Spring 2025

Upskilled Training:

6-week advanced learning program for individuals currently employed by contractors in clean energy and weatherization industries
Program schedule includes three training days a week and two working days with current employer
Participants will earn Building Performance Institute (BPI) Envelope and Healthy Housing Principles (HHP) certifications.

Program start date: October 14, 2024

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

Upcoming Program Dates:

October 14, 2024

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?

Submit your application now

Have additional questions about Workforce Development?

Email us

Contractors must meet the following eligibility criteria to be considered for participation:

Weatherization or HVAC contractor in operation for at least 3 years
Licensed, insured, and in good standing with the State of Michigan
Certified Diverse Business Enterprise (DBE) or eligible to apply for certification
Must be committed to a 4-month training program (May through September) divided into two phases:
- Phase 1: In-person weekly training workshops over a period of 13 weeks, one evening each week for 2 hours (exact dates to be provided upon acceptance into the Incubator)
- Phase 2: One-on-One individualized training with a program staff member. This training will encompass multiple aspects of your business including but not limited to:
  - Back Office Support Assessments, Back Office Support Action Plan, and Business Growth Plans
  - Willing and able to serve customers who reside primarily in the City of Detroit
  - Agree to sign a release granting DTE permission to use any photos and/or videos taken of you, your business and/or your logo during the Incubator for marketing, promotional, or other DTE business purposes

Industry Development

The Industry Development Program is designed to create a pipeline of diverse contractors specializing in HVAC or Weatherization to build capacity within the industry and create equitable opportunities for them to expand their businesses into the energy efficiency industry.

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

Educate diverse HVAC and Weatherization contractors on how to work with DTE’s energy efficiency portfolio to serve income-qualified customers.
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.

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