Goodwill Southern California

Overview

This pilot will support workforce placement and preparation efforts in the HVAC trades, with a focus on heat pump technologies.  This pilot will offer instruments through the Career Tools program to qualified participants in the Department of Energy's Pathways to Advance the Trades in HVAC Services Initiative ("PATHS") to increase their chances of getting hired by partner companies.

Research Questions:

• Is proper preparation through education, work experience and access to tools of the trade the critical component to employment success and retention in the HVAC sector in general—and in work involving heat pump installation and maintenance in particular?
• Is the HVAC Career Pathways Program developed by PATHS and its focus on heat pump installation and maintenance replicable?

Value for the TECH Incentive Program: This pilot will expand the base of contractors available for state-of-the-art heat pump installations.

Market Barrier

Heat pump deployment is contingent on the existence of a workforce that is well-trained in the installation and maintenance of heat pumps. This skilled workforce is not currently available in the numbers adequate to accomplish wide-reaching statewide deployment.

Proposed Solution

Via the Career Tools program, this pilot will provide provide workforce placement and preparation services. As part of these services, college graduates will be granted HVAC service instruments, which are required of new employees and demonstrate candidates' initiative and experience in the eyes of contractor companies. These instruments will serve as an additional incentive to complete training. This pilot will also facilitate the establishment of a PATH program in another Community College.

Theory of Change

Individuals who are properly prepared for the field—with education, support, and tools—will be readily hired and retained in jobs in the HVAC sector and in work involving heat pump installation and maintenance.

Project Status:

In progress

Housing Type:

Residential

Technology:

HP HVAC

Location:

Inland Empire, Southwest service territory