NWC News Desk

Construction workers and others can turn work experience into energy auditor certification in January classes

Posted January 8, 2010
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POWELL, Wyo. -  The Northwest College Center for Training and Development in Powell will offer two short-term classes to prepare contractors, construction workers and others for Building Analyst Professional certification to work as energy auditors.

A one-week training for contractors and others with intensive industry-experience meets Monday-Friday, Jan. 18-22. A similar training for those with limited or no experience in construction trades will be conducted the following two weeks Monday-Friday, Jan. 25-Feb. 5. Both trainings are held at the Northwest College Center for Training and Development (CTD) in Powell, with field mentoring and labs held at off-campus locations.

Government tax credits and utility cash incentives for weatherization projects are creating an increasing demand for energy auditors. Displaced workers, especially those with building or mechanical trade experience, can gain a competitive edge in the job market by combining their existing building and mechanical trade skills with energy auditing and weatherization training.

The courses prepare students to earn a nationally recognized certification as a building analyst professional from the Building Performance Institute (BPI). They cover the fundamentals of building science and systems, measurement and verification of building performance, BPI standards and project specifications, building systems analysis plus professional ethics, conduct and communication.

Classes are taught by BPI-affiliated and certified trainers from Apple Energy Group. BPI certification is a portable credential and an approved standard of the Home Performance with ENERGY STAR, offered through the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency. It is nationally recognized in new residential construction, remodeling and energy conservation industries.

BPI certification is an added value for contractors and opens the door for job opportunities as a home performance auditor, energy advisor, home energy auditor and energy field adviser.

Substantial tuition waivers are available to defray course fees, which are $1,975 for the one-week training and $3,900 for the two-week session. The waivers are available to a limited number of students who enroll before Thursday, Jan. 14.

For more details, following the Training Schedule link, or call 307-754-6062, 800-560-4692, or e-mail Powell CTD.