Clean Energy Pathways
Join the more than two million Americans in the largest sector in the U.S. clean economy. Gain hands-on industry experience by enrolling in the Clean Energy Pathways program to start your career in energy efficiency.
The Mass Save® Clean Energy Pathways program is a full-time, paid, three-month internship that aims to boost the energy efficiency workforce. The internship program matches interns with local companies to develop skills in Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) or weatherization; two fast-growing industries in the energy efficiency sector. After three months, the internship could turn into full-time employment with the intern’s current employer or with another vetted energy company.
Interns participate in a three-month, fully paid internship starting at $20/hour. Interns will receive:
- Paid training and hands-on experience in the growing, high-demand energy efficiency career fields of weatherization or HVAC.
- Valuable skills, ongoing support, and mentorship.
- Job placement assistance.
Residential HVAC Internship
Prior to applying, applicants must complete an HVAC program or have experience working in the HVAC industry.
Job Description
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 Internship
For the weatherization cohort, applicants must have interest and/or experience in weatherization with willingness to being trained as a weatherization specialist.
Job Description
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 at least 18 years old by the start of the internship
- Live in or be available to work in Dorchester, Fall River, Lawrence, Mattapan, Roxbury, Springfield, or Worcester metro areas
- Speak some English
- Be authorized to work in the United States
- Pass a criminal background check and drug screen. Applicants will NOT be disqualified because of cannabis use but using cannabis prior to starting work and during work hours is not permitted
- Possess a valid MA driver’s license or identification card
- Be available to start work between the hours of 7 am and 9am. The standard workday is 8 hours but start and end times may vary periodically
Reliable transportation is required for up to 50 miles for the duration of the program. Interns are expected to get to work/ training/ program activities on time and are not compensated for their commute.
Applicants must be :
- Committed to delivering positive customer experiences
- Willing to learn new skills
- Willing to participate in physical labor to install equipment or materials
- Available and responsive to phone calls, text messages, or email communications from employer and program staff
- In possession of—or be willing to open—a bank account to receive direct deposit payment
Persons of color, women, LGBTQI+, first generation residents, and/or multilingual residents are strongly encouraged to apply.
Expected Tasks and Responsibilities
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
What is the Clean Energy Pathways internship program?
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.
What are the goals of the program?
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.
Who is eligible to participate in the program?
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.
Does the program focus on specific industries in the energy efficiency sector?
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.
How many interns will be accepted?
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.
What type of stipend or pay is available during the program?
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.
What will interns gain from the 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.