Join the fast-growing clean energy industry with a paid training and internship!
Xcel Energy's CIP Workforce Development program, implemented by Center for Energy and Environment (CEE), aims to recruit, train, place, and retain participants who are historically and currently underrepresented in the energy efficiency sector, specifically individuals from BIPOC communities and women.
Additionally, CenterPoint Energy provides funding for CEE to implement job training in suburban Hennepin County in support of a diverse, next generation energy efficiency workforce.
Check out these opportunities for participation.
Home Energy Career Training
Paid Four-Week In-Person Training
Earn $2500 and receive an industry-recognized credential in Building Science Principles (BSP). Building science explores how changing one part of a home affect homeowners’ comfort, health, and safety.
Training includes:
• Basics of building science and home energy audits, insulation, and air sealing
• Installation training from experts
• Relevant job-site safety guidelines, math for construction, and more!
• Basic support services (e.g., bus, gas cards, etc.)
Paid Internship Opportunities & Job Placement Assistance
Following the training program, participants will have the opportunity to join one of two paid internship tracks and will be provided with job placement assistance on completing the program.
• TRACK 1: Energy Auditor
Earn Building Analyst BPI Certification
• TRACK 2: Insulation Contractor
Earn Home Insulation BPI Certification
Have questions? Contact our workforce development team at 612-455-7863 or careertraining@mncee.org
Meet our partners.
Minimum Requirements for Paid Four-Week In-Person Training
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18 years or older
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Legally authorized to work in the U.S.
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5th grade level reading and math
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Basic computer skills
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Able to obtain a driver’s license by the beginning of the internship
Internship Track Requirements
Minimum Requirements for Internship Tracks
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Able to obtain a driver’s license by the beginning of the internship
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Able to lift 40–50 pounds
Energy Auditor Track
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Insurable driving record required
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Able to pass a one-time drug test
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Ability to pass the Xcel background check
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Customer service orientated with strong communication skills
Home Insulator and Air Sealing Track
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Insurable driving record preferred
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Able to pass the DOT physical exam
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Able to crawl, climb, and move in tight spaces.
Driver's License Support
Applicants must have a valid driver’s license before the beginning of the internship to be eligible. Here is a link to the Hennepin County Driver's License landing page for support regarding obtaining a license for the first time or reinstating it. While the link is provided by Hennepin County, all information applies to residents across all of Minnesota.
https://www.hennepin.us/residents/licenses-certificates-permits/drivers-licenses
For Ramsey County residents aged 18-24: Ramsey County job seekers can receive individual support with applying for a permit, enrolling in behind the wheel instruction, and support to get a class D driver’s license. Residents are eligible once enrolled in credentialed or certificate career pathways, or job training programs. Visit the link to learn more.
Justice Impacted Individuals
Having been impacted by the justice system won't affect your ability to participate in the classroom training or internship.
Please note: A felony conviction or conviction involving to fraud, theft, or dishonesty within the last 7 years may significantly impact your ability to be employed as an Energy Auditor. Please contact CEE staff at careertraining@mncee.org with any questions or concerns related to this.
More Information
For this program we are prioritizing those who reside in a Green Zone area of Minneapolis or one of the ACP50 zones in St. Paul. Those neighborhoods include:
Saint Paul: Thomas-Dale (commonly known as Frogtown), Rondo (located in Summit-University neighborhood), North End, Payne-Phalen, Greater East Side, Dayton's Bluff, West Side, Downtown
Minneapolis: Bottineau, Cedar-Riverside, East Phillips, Hawthorne, Marshall Terrace, McKinley, Midtown Phillips, Near North, Phillips West, Sheridan and Ventura Village