Building Performance
Success Stories
On-the-Job Training for Entry-level Careers
Chaz’s Story
Chaz started his weatherization career through fundamental masonry & carpentry training at the Trade Institute of Pittsburgh (TIP). He had the opportunity to join dozens of other TIP carpentry students who helped to build the diagnostic house for Pittsburgh Gateways’ partner Penn College at Pittsburgh. The combination of hands-on training through TIP, and his exposure to careers in weatherization while working on that project, made him a great candidate to join the team at Mincin Insulation, one of Pittsburgh Gateways’ employer partners specializing in residential retrofits and weatherization. As an entry-level new hire with Mincin, Chaz was paired with a seasoned Crew Leader who provided on-the-job training and mentoring during a short onboarding period. Now, he works for Mincin full-time, continues to receive on-site training, and is working his way through a career pathway designed for individuals like him – people who like to work with their hands and who want to help improve their communities.
Specialized Upskilling for Incumbent Workers
Simon’s Story
As a twenty-year veteran of the HVAC industry, Simon entered a specialized Heat Pump Design & Commissioning course facilitated by Pittsburgh Gateways with a lot of knowledge and hands-on experience. Keeping up with the latest technology and being responsive to customer needs is a priority for Simon’s employer, Hernandez HVAC, so they took advantage of free training sponsored by Duquesne Light Company and taught by Penn College. Simon was back in the classroom for four days, learning alongside other HVAC professionals, expanding his knowledge of new technologies as well as current rebates and other incentives that can help Hernandez HVAC offer more value to their customers.
Contractor Business Expansion into Weatherization
Mona’s Story
As Mona looked at options to expand & diversify her small contracting business, while also making a positive impact on the community, she turned to Pittsburgh Gateways. Through their partnership, Mona was able to turn this idea into reality by expanding Low Country Building Solutions (LCBS) into providing weatherization services. Once LCBS became an approved Weatherization Assistance Program contractor with ACTION-Housing, her crew received specialized training in home energy retrofits through Penn College, and Pittsburgh Gateways helped to secure a grant for LCBS to purchase specialty weatherization tools & equipment. Now that they are professionally trained and equipped, LCBS is helping to improve home comfort and safety, while also lowering energy bills, for a variety of customers and community program partners.
For more information, contact:
Karen Benner Director, Building Performance Programs kbenner@pghgateways.org