Trade Ally Technical Assistance Research Project

Environmental & Economic Research and Development Program Trade Ally Technical Assistance Research Project

About the Research Project

To support development of a Workforce Development Strategy for the Focus on Energy program, we require a deeper understanding of Trade Ally workforce development needs related to training programming and upskilling the workforce. The “Empowering Trade Allies for Building Efficiency and Electrification Research” study conducted by the MREA in 2024 offered numerous recommendations on how to support Trade Allies so that they can meet demand for energy efficiency products and services.

This Research Project will offer insights for Focus on Energy’s workforce development strategy through research on specific recommendations from the final report of the 2024 study:

Build on existing programs.
Support the Customer.
Meet Trade Allies Where They Work.
Quality Control.
Supporting the Students.
Empowering Instructors.

The MREA will oversee research that seeks to understand what resources are needed to facilitate a more robust and skilled workforce to support delivery of energy efficient products and services. The MREA will engage both previously involved and now Focus on Energy Trade Allies, technical college training programs, independent training programs, apprenticeship sponsors, and workforce development programs, in interviews to solicit feedback specific technical assistance program design. After interviews are complete, the MREA will provide a sequence of training that is market responsive, complimentary, and supports employer sponsored training, manufacturer training, credentialling, and continuing education.

Contributor: Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA)
Project Timeline: March 2025 – July 2025

Research Objectives
Research objectives include engaging stakeholders in feedback sessions and interviews to inform the components of a workforce development strategy including:

Learn how Training Providers and Trade Allies currently offer training and learn what resources they need to successfully support the energy efficiency workforce and Focus on Energy programs.
Define how Training Providers and Trade Allies would best engage in a Technical Assistance Process.
Evaluate a scope and sequence of training that is market responsive, complimentary, and supports employer sponsored training, manufacturer training, credentialling, and continuing education.
Outline a technical assistance model that supports workforce training and increases the capacity of businesses providing home and business energy efficiency and electrification services.

Research Project Highlights

Check back later for relevant updates including key milestones and progress towards objectives.

Questions?

Contact the Future Focus team with questions at futurefocus@focusonenergy.com