Clean energy career training program expands to St. Cloud
An estimated 62,102 Minnesotans held energy efficiency related jobs in 2023, and the sector outpaced the state’s overall job growth rate. As the industry continues to grow, there’s a greater need for trained professionals in clean energy and energy efficiency roles.
To address this need, Center for Energy and Environment (CEE) has partnered with funders and community organizations to develop and provide career training opportunities related to building science and green construction. Together, we’re creating a skilled workforce that is prepared for the future.
Pilot St. Cloud program surpassed its goals with 26 graduates
In 2024, CEE received funding from Xcel Energy to run a cohort in St. Cloud, our first in greater Minnesota. In expanding to St. Cloud, we were excited to reach new communities and participants. By partnering with the Center for African Immigrants and Refugees Organization (CAIRO), Community Grassroots Solutions (CGS), and Tri-County Action Program (Tri-CAP), we were able to provide our paid Home Energy Career Training to 26 graduates.
“Many see this as a pathway to enter or advance within the growing energy sector,” said Mohamed Salat, workforce development coordinator at CAIRO. “But there were also others who were motivated by the desire to contribute to environmental sustainability. Also, the program’s structure, mentorship, and hands-on approach appeal to those seeking practical, supportive training.”
Hands-on clean energy and energy efficiency career preparation
Individuals interested in clean energy and energy efficiency careers could register for the program, with priority given to people who have historically been underrepresented in the industry, including Black, Indigenous, Asian, and Latino participants, people of color, and women.
“What I enjoy about this program is that it offers individuals from various backgrounds and at different stages in life the chance to start a new opportunity together,” said Noah Herman, a building science trainer at CEE. “I enjoy being part of participants’ development as they apply themselves and acquire new knowledge and skills. Being a part of their development from day one in the classroom to graduation to possibly starting a new career is gratifying.”
This cohort focused on building science, which explores how changing one part of a home affects homeowner comfort, health, and safety. Participants learned and applied new skills in building science, home energy auditing, insulation, and air sealing, with lessons ranging from understanding the house as a system to hands-on air sealing and blower door testing experience.
According to Anna Wiebe, another CEE building science trainer, “One of the most consistent things we provide folks with is the confidence to maintain and take care of their homes. We can proudly say that our students will never look at a house the same way, and they can use the skills they learn in the training to help their families and friends.”
At the end of the initial training, participants had the opportunity to receive an industry-recognized credential in Building Science Principles (BSP) and advance to a hands-on, paid internship in their chosen field. A few graduates entered internships to receive on-the-job training as energy auditors and insulators at local businesses, including Tri-CAP and Seelen Insulation.
“The hands-on training in energy audits, insulation, air sealing, and construction math directly equips participants with the technical skills that are in high demand, while providing them with safety training to ensure they can work effectively and safely on job sites. With support services like bus or gas cards, the program also factors in the logistical needs of participants, making it easier for them to attend training sessions and access job opportunities,” said Abdiaziz Odiriye, the executive director of CEE’s partner organization, CGS.
Bridging the gap: Supporting participants on the path to success
In addition to providing industry training and certification opportunities, CEE is committed to working with funders and partners to provide holistic support to program participants.
To make the program as accessible as possible, participants are paid a $550 per week stipend and given other support as needed, including gas or bus cards to help them get to and from training or internships, job placement assistance for internship participants, and more.
For the St. Cloud cohort, CEE had an opportunity to revisit how we deliver our content to ensure it was accessible to a wider audience. “We got to challenge ourselves in how we deliver our content,” said Wiebe. “We had many students who were working on their English or working multiple jobs, but they were all extremely engaged and enthusiastic about building science.”
Celebrating participant achievements with Rep. Bernie Perryman
At the end of November, to celebrate the accomplishments of the program graduates, we were thrilled to collaborate with our community partners to host a graduation ceremony at CAIRO’s Nelson Mandela training center.
Attendees heard from speakers from Xcel Energy, CEE, CAIRO, CGS, and other guests, and we were pleased to have a photographer from XIDIG TV document the event. Graduates were invited to the stage to receive their Building Science Principles certifications, highlighting their achievements.
Not only were we excited to celebrate this achievement with the graduates, but we were excited to see the St. Cloud community come out to support the program and its participants. Minnesota Representative Bernie Perryman (14A) attended to share words of inspiration, encouraging graduates to continue in their chosen fields.
Career training that makes a difference
With the continued support and collaboration of Xcel Energy and our community partners, CEE will offer cohorts of the Home Energy Career Training annually, including one in St. Cloud later in 2025. We also offer a Green Construction Career Training program with the support of Ramsey County and the City of St. Paul at Saint Paul College.
Together, these programs provide paid, hands-on career training in the fast-growing clean energy industry to nearly 100 graduates per year, equipping Minnesota’s workforce for the future. If you or someone you know is interested in participating in CEE’s career training, please visit our website for more information and to register for an upcoming cohort.