Healthy Housing Workforce Toolkit: Building the Workforce Pipeline
Introduction
Creating a robust workforce pipeline for healthy housing initiatives requires a multi-faceted approach that incorporates strategic partnerships, education, and training opportunities. By engaging with a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including educational institutions, industry leaders, and community organizations, municipalities can create pathways that not only provide training but also ensure that the workforce is prepared to meet the specific needs of their communities. It is crucial to focus on equitable recruitment and retention strategies, especially in underinvested areas. This requires ongoing collaboration, investment in training programs, and incorporating an equity lens. This next section will delve into the specifics of training and certification, outlining how cities can equip their workforce with the necessary skills and credentials to lead in the healthy housing sector.
Train & Certify
Developing a knowledgeable and comprehensive workforce requires employees to be trained through accredited programs that are recognized by federal agencies and that follow industry standards that foster quality and consistency throughout the workforce.
The Building Performance Institute (BPI) has created many certifications based on these standards. Using a mixture of industry practices, accepted concepts and major standards of reference, BPI has created a pathway to train and educate employees to become leaders in healthy housing workforce sectors. Individuals who receive their BPI certification demonstrate proficiency in home performance and residential upgrade work. Individuals who earn the title of a BPI-certified contractor are recognized as leading contractors who make homes safer, healthier and more comfortable.
BPI uses the house-as-a-system approach to improve the performance of the house and is supported by additional healthy housing programs like the Home Performance with ENERGY STAR from the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). BPI’s standards47 are approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and BPI ensures that the standards are updated to match the evolution of healthy housing.
Tools and Resources
These resources provide local leaders with access to accredited curricula that they can bring to their workforce programs to develop jobs with a focus on healthy housing. These programs will train employees in emerging green industries and foster the creation of an adaptable workforce that is able to perform healthy housing inspections and remediations.
Lead Testing Programs:
Weatherization Programs:
- Weatherization Standardized Curricula50
- Weatherization Memorandum 015: Weatherization Financial Toolkit51
- Weatherization Assistance Program Resource Hub52
- WAP Request for Proposals Toolkit for Training & Technical Assistance Services53
Cities can search for accredited trainers and contractors in their area by using the following tools:
Take Advantage of On-the-Job Training & Apprenticeships
Blending on-the-job training and classroom education allows workers to possess the knowledge and experience needed to enter designated jobs feeling prepared. Registered Apprenticeships (RA) can provide individuals with the opportunity to participate in a structured on-the-job learning experience while earning progressive wage increases as their skills and productivity increase. RA programs offer supplemental training and education and are designed to reflect the communities in which they operate to ensure access, equity and inclusion are prioritized.
RA programs also enable employers to train and retain their future workforce while offering career seekers an affordable path to secure high-paying jobs. Employers that participate in apprenticeship programs are also able to receive a high return on investment with ApprenticeshipUSA reporting that 94% of apprentices retain employment after completing an RA program. The federal Office of Apprenticeship56 and apprenticeship offices around the country can provide technical assistance in establishing apprenticeship programs.
Tools and Resources
Apprenticeship programs can directly support the creation of new workforce jobs by improving retention and connecting employees with the right type of training. These tools help local leaders identify where apprenticeship programs exist in their communities and offer the opportunity to connect with them to learn more.
ApprenticeshipUSA’s Partner Finder57 connects you with apprenticeship experts to help design your program, build strong partnerships and obtain resources to sustain and expand a Registered Apprenticeship program.
ApprenticeshipUSA Finder58 supports local governments by helping job seekers find the right apprenticeship program and connects partners to enhance the core components.
Case Study
Frederick, MD: How Youth Apprenticeship is Improving the Economy in Frederick, Maryland59
Build Career Pathways & Support Services
Many individuals who participate in workforce programs experience personal barriers that can interfere with participating in or completing education and training programs.60 Providing services for individuals can help alleviate financial burdens and create a pathway for people to successfully participate in and complete education and training programs. Personal support like childcare, transportation to and from training, housing assistance and financial planning are a few services that municipalities can help provide to ensure individuals have the capacity and ability to complete training.
The Urban Institute has identified the link between individuals seeking workforce training and access to child care and other supportive services in their Bridging the Gap report.61
Career counseling is a great strategy that can help individuals find job positions, improve retention rates and foster an open channel of communication between the employer and employee. Depending on the state, career counseling services can be offered through state governments, nonprofits, or higher education institutions. Make sure to review what is available in your area to take advantage of every opportunity. Cities themselves can often be the employers for many individuals. Local leaders possess the power to directly influence working conditions and/or set up programs. By adopting the Good Jobs Principle, cities can encourage other employers to be good employers. These principles can help identify what comprises a good job and help create a framework for workers, businesses, labor unions, advocates, researchers, state and local governments, and federal agencies for a shared vision of job quality.62
Tools and Resources
These tools offer a map that identifies available social care programs in their area and common federal support programs that positively impact the employees’ experience.
To support individuals who participate in education and training programs, cities should review what federal and state programs are available and consider how they can provide people with the ability to access them. Childcare Aware has created a comprehensive map63 that identifies childcare, healthcare, and other social services for cities to build into their workforce development program. Municipalities can incorporate federal social care programs like the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)64 and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)65 into their workforce programs. By offering these opportunities within a workforce program, families and individuals can more easily access the benefits from supportive services. These networks connect organizations and people with supportive services that are offered at the state and local levels.
Case Study
The City of Pittsburgh, PA adopted the Good Jobs Principle and built a coalition of partners and organizations that are all determined to equitably target communities in need and support the development of new job opportunities.66
End Notes
47 “Building Performance Institute, Inc. | Current Standards.”
48 US EPA, “Lead-Based Paint Abatement and Evaluation Program.”
49 “EPA Lead Training Classes, Certification, Lead Training, RRP, Abatement, Clearance.”
50 “Weatherization Standardized Curricula.”
51 “ARCHIVED Weatherization Memorandum 015.”
52 “Weatherization Assistance Program Resource Hub.”
53 “WAP-RFP-Toolkit-TTA.Pdf.”
54 “Lead Home | Lead in Paint, Dust, and Soil | US EPA.”
55 “Building Performance Institute, Inc.”
56 Apprenticeship, “Homepage.”
57 Apprenticeship, “Partner Finder.”
58 Apprenticeship, “Apprenticeship Finder.”
59 “How Youth Apprenticeship Is Improving the Economy in Frederick, Maryland – National League of Cities.”
60 “Providing Supportive Services | Local Workforce System Guide.”
61 “Bridging the Gap | Urban Institute.”
62 “The Good Jobs Initiative.”
63 “State by State Resources.”
64 “About TANF | The Administration for Children and Families.”
65 “Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) | USDA-FNS.”
66 “Mayor Ed Gainey and Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su Host Signing Ceremony for Pittsburgh Good Jobs Principles.”