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 residents of the City of Detroit and Metro Detroit 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 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.
Additional Program Details:
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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.
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Our trainees will be paired with local contractors and have two weeks of On-The-Job (OTJ) experience prior to completion of the program.
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DTE and Walker-Miller have formed relationships with local contractors and partners in the energy efficiency Industry who have made commitments to provide OTJ experience and/or placement opportunities for our graduates.
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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.
Immediate Careers in Energy Efficiency:
These careers are available to graduates immediately upon completion of the certifications obtained in the program.
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Weatherization Crew Member
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Weatherization Crew Leader
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Weatherization Technician
Careers in Energy Efficiency with Continuing Education:
These career opportunities will be available to graduates who decide to continue their education. Certifications obtained in the program are required to further their education and enter the career opportunities listed below.
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Energy Auditor
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Quality Control Inspector
WFD Instructor shows trainee how to set up pressure pan
WFD Cohort prepares to turn on blower door fan to conduct blower door test
WFD sets the manometer to get baseline reading prior to conducting blower door test
WFD Training Program Instructor shows trainees the proper way to put together Blower door frame in preparation for a blower door test.
WFD Trainee uses pressure pan to conduct pressure test on wall outlet
WFD Trainee uses Infrared gun to check thermal imaging for cold and hot spots
WFD Trainee checks hot water tank for any spillage and gas leaks
WFD Trainee uses combustion analyzer to perform Furnace Check
Upcoming Program Dates:
September 11, 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 into Workforce Development?
Have additional questions about Workforce Development?
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.
Contractors must meet the following eligibility criteria to be considered for participation:
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Weatherization or HVAC contractor in operation for at least 3 years
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Licensed, insured, and in good standing with the State of Michigan
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Certified Diverse Business Enterprise (DBE) or eligible to apply for certification
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Must be committed to a 6-month training program (March through September) divided into two phases:
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Phase 1: In-person weekly training workshops over a period of 9-10 weeks, one evening each week for 2 hours (exact dates to be provided upon acceptance into the Incubator)
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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:
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Back Office Support Assessments, Back Office Support Action Plan, and Business Growth Plans
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Willing and able to serve customers who reside primarily in the City of Detroit
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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
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Upcoming Program Dates:
Spring 2024
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:
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Minority
- Woman
- Veteran
- Member of the LGBTQIA+ community
- An individual with a different-ability