​A person in a black and white image standing in front of the word renew

About the Program

The City of Charlotte, in partnership with Urban League of Central Carolinas, has launched the Renewable Energy and Efficiency Workforce ("RENEW") Training Program. RENEW will provide paid training in the area of HVAC and Electrical Trades. These 13-week classes will teach basic skills for the industry and work to place graduates in successful full-time employment opportunities.

Occupational Skills to be Covered in this Training Program Include

Basic heating, ventilation, and air conditioning ("HVAC") training, with an emphasis on energy efficiency and building automation systems

Basic electrical training that can lead to job placement in facility management, electrical trade work, solar/photovoltaic panel installation and maintenance, and/or electric vehicle maintenance and charging infrastructure careers

General energy management accounting concepts

At the completion of the training program, participants will receive EPA 608 and HVAC Green industry certifications

These skill sets are in high demand in the Charlotte region. The average wage for entry-level technicians in this field is $48,000.

Participants will be paid a stipend of $15/hour during the training period. Additionally, participants will receive career counseling in preparation for a paid work-based learning opportunity, or full-time employment within this industry.

Program Eligibility

  • Be a resident of the City of Charlotte

  • Must be 18 years old or older

  • Be eligible to work in the United States by the time of program completion/graduation

  • Employment status negatively affected by COVID-19

  • Prior convictions will be reviewed in detail to determine eligibility

  • Ability to work in diverse conditions including but not limited to exposure to noisy operating equipment, exposure to extreme weather conditions, precarious places, and risk of electrical shock (high voltage)

  • Meet the physical requirements of the training program and position; requires regular use of hands, fingers, walking, stooping, and kneeling. Requires regularly lifting and or moving up to 10 lbs., frequently lift and or move up to 40 lbs. and occasionally lift and or move more than 40 lbs.

  • Must possess a valid driver's license for a minimum of 12 months, with no major or frequent traffic violations including, but not limited to:

    • DUI in the previous 5 years

    • Hit & Run, License Suspension

    • Reckless / Careless Driving or multiple smaller infractions or preventable collisions in the previous 3 years

Program Benefits

Through the RENEW Training Program participants will participate in a 13-week paid training experience that will prepare them for permanent, full-time employment in HVAC and electrical occupations.

Participants will be paid an educational stipend equivalent to $15/hour while participating in the program.

Every participant will also have access to comprehensive wraparound support services, including:

  • Resume, cover letter, and interview coaching

  • Financial literacy coaching

  • Digital literacy support

  • Mentoring

Participants will be eligible for guaranteed job placement with one of the program's corporate partners at the conclusion of the training program. These skill sets are in high demand in the Charlotte region. The average wage for entry-level technicians in this field is $48,000.

What are the expectations when participating in the RENEW Training Program?

It is expected that participants can give their full attention during class hours and participate uninterrupted during class hours.

Class hours are Monday – Thursday 1:00 pm – 3:30pm

Currently, class is scheduled to be conducted virtually, with in-person labs scheduled according to COVID guidelines. Internet connectivity and an appropriate device (laptop) will be required to complete coursework. Devices and hotspots can be provided upon request.

Participants are permitted to miss a maximum of 4 days of class.

Training Certifications

At the completion of the training program, participants will receive:

  • EPA 608

  • Green Certification

  • UBL certification

  • Participants will need to pass exams to receive the EPA 608 and Green Certification

The goal of the RENEW Training Program is to train and connect every participant to a full-time job in the industry. Both corporate partners and participants will have the ability to explore opportunities that will be the best fit for sustained, full-time employment.

Please direct any questions to Melissa Herbert with the Urban League of Central Carolinas – 980.301.3745, melissa.herbert@urbanleaguecc.org.

Corporate Partner FAQS

Participants of RENEW undergo pre-screening to ensure they are prepared for this training and employment opportunity. Program eligibility criteria have been developed in-synch with industry employers.

Participants of RENEW are offered paid training and workforce learning opportunities at no cost to corporate partners.

Corporate partners also have the opportunity to provide input on curriculum to meet the unique hiring needs of your organization.

Candidates are screened prior to acceptance to the training program on eligibility requirements that are co-created with corporate partners.

Corporate partners are invited to provide input into the training curriculum to fit your organization's employee needs.

Partners are also invited to participate in the Corporate Advisory Committee to provide feedback on the program.

Corporate partners are invited to participate in classroom presentations as well as Career Days (including networking and mock-interviews) to engage with program participants ahead of graduation.

RENEW will provide 13-week paid training in the area of HVAC and Electrical Trades. Occupational skills to be covered in this training program include:

Basic heating, ventilation, and air conditioning ("HVAC") training, with an emphasis on energy efficiency and building automation systems.

Basic electrical training that can lead to job placement in facility management, electrical trade work, solar/photovoltaic panel installation, and maintenance, and/or electric vehicle maintenance and charging infrastructure careers.

General energy management accounting concepts

At the completion of the training program, participants will receive EPA 608 and HVAC Green industry certifications

Organizations are invited to participate through an employment partnership, providing work-based learning experience, and/or joining the RENEW Corporate Advisory Committee.

Employment partnership – If your organization is interested in committing to hiring RENEW participants, fill out this brief intake form.

If your organization is interested in learning more about corporate partnerships, please contact Greg Schermbeck at greg@scherm.co

No! Participating as a corporate partner is free.

If your organization has pledged to hire a RENEW participant at the completion of the training program, your organization will be responsible for agreed-upon starting compensation.