Trainees accepted into the program will receive 40 hours per week of real-world on-the-job training (OJT) and mentorship while job shadowing a plumbing contractor during the normal course of business. Trainees will be paid $20/hour + receive a full set of tools (upon completing the program) while gaining hands-on experience installing water heaters across the Portland Metro Area and learning from a variety of roles within the plumbing contractor's business.
Participants of the Water Heater Installer Academy will learn how to install all types of water heaters with a strong focus on Heat Pump Water Heaters -- a highly energy efficient type of water heater technology that is rapidly growing in popularity thanks to new local, state and federal Home Energy Rebate programs that are designed to help us meet our climate goals.
Participants will also be supported (and fees covered) to take the Residential Water Heater Installer license exam with the State of Oregon.
The valuable skills and experience that trainees will gain during this Academy will prepare them to be job-ready and will make them valuable candidates when applying for jobs working under residential plumbing contractors upon completion of the program.
This program is hosted by Earth Advantage and the opportunity has been made available thanks to our partners at Energy Trust of Oregon and Portland General Electric through a U.S. Department of Energy grant.
The Water Heater Installer and Plumbing pathway offers excellent career potential with many benefits and opportunities for new workers:
ACADEMY APPLICATION DETAILSOne position is available and applications will be open until April 28th at midnight. The Academy will begin mid-may and run through August 2nd (12 weeks duration).
Applicants must be either currently participating in, or have completed a training program with one of the following training partners:
Required Qualifications:
Applicants must submit their resume and cover letter via the "Apply Now" link at the bottom of this page.
Location: Based in Portland, Oregon with occasional training days at GNWI facility in Ridgefield, WA.
Program Timing: Academy 2 will start in early 2025
We are looking for a reliable, team-oriented person who has good commiunciation skills and a passion for sustainable trades. The ideal candidate is someone who is looking to start their career in this sector, and has an interest in advancing energy efficient and sustainable building practices.
The participant selected for this program will gain foundational skills in plumbing, water heater installation, and building science. The program will also assist the participant with developing professional communication, collaborative teamwork, and problem-solving skills, while helping them begin a career in the residential plumbing sector.
At Earth Advantage we believe that climate change is a challenge that crosses boundaries of income, race, ethnicity, religion, age, abilities, geography, gender identities, sexual orientation, and disproportionately affects disadvantaged populations. We actively support and value diversity in company culture, the recruitment of staff and board members, and in our partnerships with organizations and individuals in order to propel the building industry toward a socially, economically, and environmentally just future.
This opportunity was made possible in part thanks to support from Energy Trust of Oregon. All application information is confidential. Earth Advantage and Energy Trust of Oregon will not disclose any information without the applicant's consent.
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