1. Pre-apprentice training: This part of the curriculum is designed to provide introductory level training. Pre-apprentice training will take place in a mix of environments: classroom, hands-on laboratory, and jobsite visitation. Upon completion, a pre-apprentice should be well oriented to ductless heat pump installation and ready to join a participating contracting company as an apprentice.
2. Apprentice training: This part of the curriculum is designed to provide real-world and practical installation training. Apprenticeship takes place “on-the-job” while the trainee is employed with a participating contractor. Apprentices work alongside a journeyman installer, and this portion of the curriculum in the guide for skills and knowledge they are to learn. Upon completion, the apprentice should be ready to work as a journeyman installer.
3. Mentorship: This part of the curriculum is designed to help the trainee become a fully competent and successful ductless heat pump installer. Mentorship includes having access to a Master Installer for regular consultation and mentoring. Mentorship takes place while the trainee is employed as a journeyman installer with a participating contractor. Upon completion, the trainee will graduate from GREEN NW and be ready to pursue a career as a ductless heat pump installer.
Timeframe: From start-to-finish, this curriculum should take 12 months. This assumes the trainee participates without interruption. Below see the timing breakdown:
• Pre-apprenticeship portion takes 4-5 weeks.
• Apprenticeship should take between 3 to 6 months.
• Mentorship takes 4 to 6 months depending on how long the apprenticeship lasts.
Prequalification: To enter into the Green Ductless Heat Pump Installer Training Program, each trainees will be evaluated as follows:
• Interview. All participants will be interviewed to assess their aptitude for and interest in residential contracting work.
• Skills assessment. All participants will be evaluated on their ability to use basic hand tools. We require limited, basic competency in using basic hand tools.
• Driver’s License. All participants must have a driver’s license and must be able to be insured. The HVAC installation work demands this.
• Drug and alcohol screening. All participants must pass a drug and alcohol evaluation. Due to jobsite safety concerns and the customer service requirements of this work, it isn’t possible to sustain employment while addicted to drugs and alcohol.
