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 will provide the City of Detroit and Metro Detroit residents with a paid eight-week Building Analyst and Home Evaluator certification through the Building Performance Institute (BPI). Participants will receive professional guidance and be connected to a recruitment network for entry-level clean energy jobs with wages starting at $18 per hour, 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.
To apply for the program please click the “Apply Here” button in the next section of this page and a Walker-Miller representative will review your application and contact you.
Upcoming Program Dates:
September 2023
Program Requirements:
Valid Driver’s License
High School Diploma or GED
Age of 18 or older
Are you ready to take the first step?
Have additional questions?
Additional Program Details:
- The Workforce Development will consist of hands-on training at our partner’s Field Training House. Trainees will be able to have a full experience of a home walk-through and energy audit in preparation for their field exam.
- Our trainees will be paired with local contractors and have two weeks of On-The-Job (OTJ) experience prior to completion of the program.
- DTE and Walker-Miller have formed relationships with local contractors and partners in the energy efficiency Industry including Air Doctors, Snug Home LLC, AMPro Construction, SEEL LLC and Blanket Insulation who have made commitments to provide OJT experience and/or placement opportunities for our graduates.
- Walker-Miller will provide a suite of supportive wrap-around services for trainees including but not limited to; Paid Training, Gas Cards/Bus Passes, Child Care Assistance, Daily Lunch and more.
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 community, business and other resources to help them build capacity, drive revenue growth and transition into the energy efficiency industry.
Upcoming Program Dates:
September 2023
Program Requirements:
For purposes of the Incubator, a diverse business is one whose majority ownership (51% or more) falls into one or more of the following categories:
-
Minority
- Woman
- Veteran
- Member of the LGBTQIA+ community
- An individual with a different-ability
Are you ready to take the first step?
Have additional questions?
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
- Committed to participate in-person in a series of 9 weekly training workshops, one evening each week for 2 hours (exact dates to be provided upon acceptance into the Incubator)
- 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
