Clean Energy Pathways

Residential HVAC interns are responsible for installing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning equipment in customer homes following manufacturer specifications, industry codes and standards, and employer requirements. Interns may engage with homeowners and must demonstrate excellent customer service skills. Interns might also:

• Fabricate and install a wide range of duct systems
• Install copper refrigerant lines to air conditioning units, including brazing and soldering
• Install electrical components and wiring
• Repair or replace defective equipment, components, or wiring
• Install energy efficient thermostats
• Test and troubleshoot new installations on start-up

Skills & Requirements

• 150 or more hours of high school HVAC work or the equivalent.
• Mechanical aptitude
• Knowledge and understanding of HVAC low and high voltage systems
• Basic math skills
• Ability to safely use residential HVAC/R gauges and electrical test equipment
• Familiar with the principles of evacuation
• Ability to balance air flow
• Knowledge of sheet metal practices
• Proficient in reading field drawings

 

Residential weatherization interns assist lead installers with the installation of various types of residential energy efficiency measures that include energy efficient insulation. They work under the supervision of a weatherization crew chief to assist with the installation of duct sealing and insulation in various locations throughout the home including crawlspaces and attics. Interns lift/move insulations materials and work off ladders.

Skills & Requirements

• Mechanical aptitude
• Basic math skills
• Ability to work safely at heights and on ladders
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Ability to follow directions
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Demonstrate a positive attitude and desire to learn

Applicants must be comfortable with the following:

• Interacting with customers in-person and on the phone
• Performing physical activities that require considerable use of hands, arms, and legs, including but not limited to climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, crawling, crouching, squatting, or leaning over in confined, sometimes cluttered conditions
• Lifting up to 60 pounds
• Working on tall ladders and rooftops
• Handling tools
• Working in hot and cold environments with potential exposure to inclement weather
• Interacting with debris at worksites as needed
• Commuting to multiple different worksites within the same day as needed
• Working with others as a team
• Wearing/using all required protective and/or safety equipment including but not limited to glasses, gloves, hearing protection, hard hats, and safety shoes
• Attending, participating, and engaging in 8 hours per week of professional development training virtually and in person

The Clean Energy Pathways program is a workforce development initiative from the Sponsors of Mass Save that aims to boost the energy efficiency workforce and increase access to opportunities for individuals historically underrepresented in the industry, including women, people of color, and people who speak English as a second language.

The program aims to:

• Create a sustainable pipeline of qualified weatherization and HVAC workers.
• Generate career opportunities for historically underrepresented populations in the energy efficiency industry.
• Increase the diversity of the energy efficiency workforce.
• Boost energy efficiency program participation among traditionally hard to reach communities.

Massachusetts residents age 18 or older and living or willing to work in Dorchester, Fall River, Lawrence, Mattapan, Roxbury, Springfield, or Worcester.

Interns must also have a high school diploma or its equivalent, the ability to pass background checks, and some proficiency in the English language.

Persons that identify as people of color, women, LGBTQI+, first generation residents, and/or multilingual adults are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Clean Energy Pathways program focuses on one pathway within the energy efficiency sector per cohort: HVAC or weatherization. The Sponsors of Mass Save work with qualified local companies in both fields to not only place program participants but also ensure employers provide an inclusive, welcoming environment that promotes intern retention.

The size of each cohort is expected to include at least 20 individuals. Qualified applicants not chosen for a particular cohort will be automatically considered for the next cohort.

Interns will receive a stipend starting at $20/hour as well as valuable professional development training, mentoring, and other support as needed to promote ongoing participation in the three-month internship program.

The program is designed to help interns gain:

• Professional development skills.
• Case management support from community-based organizations to support a transition into employment within an exciting industry.
• Hands-on experience in a high-demand field, while being compensated.
• Job placement (The goal of the Sponsors of Mass Save is to secure 100% job placement for all participants following the completion of their internship).
• Access to a large clean energy network to help further career growth.
• Mentorship to support retention in industry.
• A deeper understanding of the energy efficiency profession.
• Access to additional workforce pathways in energy efficiency.