Energy Upgrade California Launches Low-Cost Contractor Training Program

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Sept. 29, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Energy Upgrade California, the statewide energy efficiency program that saves homeowners money, reduces energy use and creates jobs, announced today the launch of its Subsidized Contractor Training Program (SCTP) that offers very low-cost technical training for building professionals, trades persons and other motivated individuals.

SCTP helps building professionals increase business opportunities and can be a major step toward becoming an Energy Upgrade Participating Contractor—the only professionals who can qualify homeowners for more than $4,000 in rebates for home improvements. The program is available through March 2012.

"SCTP was extremely valuable and I learned a lot," said Tom Cercel of Santa Cruz County-based Airtight Vinyl Siding and Windows. "I was refreshed by the fact that the entire program is geared toward a whole house approach."

Through SCTP, participants will fulfill a major requirement to become an Energy Upgrade California Participating Contractor and have the opportunity to:

• Gain hands-on experience with diagnostic equipment.
• Learn to use essential assessment and verification tools to properly measure residential energy efficiency.
• Get trained on the latest home performance installation standards.
• Prepare for Building Performance Institute (BPI) certification exams.
• Become a HERS II Rater to meet statewide certification standards.
• Network with other contractors and industry specialists.

Training sessions will take place in locations across California. For more information, a calendar of upcoming trainings and to register for courses, visit www.contractor-training-ca.org.

VIDEO

Watch an Energy Upgrade California Participating Contractor conduct a home energy assessment:

http://www.youtube.com/user/EnergyUpgradeCA?blend=10&ob=5#p/a/u/0/G1M0zl7cbgY

More videos: http://www.youtube.com/user/EnergyUpgradeCA

ABOUT ENERGY UPGRADE CALIFORNIA

Energy Upgrade California is a collaborative program between the California Energy Commission, the California Public Utilities Commission, utilities and local governments that provides tools to accomplish and promote a "whole house" approach to home efficiency improvements. Based on "building science" principles, the program emphasizes an integrated approach to energy efficiency, starting with an assessment of current systems to identify solutions that will improve the comfort and energy performance of a home. For more information, visit www.EnergyUpgradeCA.org.

SOURCE Energy Upgrade California