Feds investing over $200K in energy efficiency training

The Government of Canada has announced it will be investing over $200,000 in e-training opportunities for Canadians in the energy efficiency sector, including funding to the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI) for discounted virtual training courses.

Efficiency Canada, based in Ottawa at Carleton University’s Sustainable Energy Research Centre, is receiving $126,765 to work with the energy efficiency sector to create a training hub that will promote skills training and help Canadians better understand how to transition into the energy efficiency workforce.

The organization will also create an inventory of existing energy efficiency programs and certifications to inform Canadians of training options and identify gaps in knowledge that will enable the development of future courses.

The Canadian Institute for Energy Training (CIET) and HRAI will also receive $48,000 and $50,000 respectively for two e-training initiatives that will provide virtual training to Canadians at a discounted rate during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The HVACR industry will play an important role in charting Canada’s path to economic recovery and to the important goal of reducing energy use and carbon emissions in homes and buildings across Canada,” said Sandy MacLeod, president and CEO, HRAI, in a Natural Resources Canada media release. “Charting this course will require thoughtful and strategic investments in the workforce of tomorrow. HRAI and its members are grateful for the federal government’s commitment to industry training, and we look forward to continued collaboration in this important partnership.”