Red River College, in collaboration with the Manitoba Environmental Industries Association (MEIA), is the first post-secondary institution in the province to launch an Energy Advisor program.

The 15-week, part-time micro-credential program was developed to meet the need for Energy Advisors (EAs) to help deliver the one million EnerGuide rating services for eligible homes in Canada, as per the federal government’s Greener Homes initiative.

With the roll-out of the government’s Greener Home initiative and the nation-wide shortage of EAs, there’s an increased demand for specialized training, and in turn an immediate opportunity for employment for skilled labourers in Manitoba.

“The Energy Advisor micro-credential program was created to address and meet industry demands,” says Dr. Christine Watson, RRC’s Vice President, Academic and Research. “By leveraging the in-house expertise at RRC’s dynamic research facilities — including the Building Efficiency Technology Access Centre (BETAC) — along with our partners at MEIA, we’re delivering specialized skills training to prepare Manitobans for immediate employment in the growing sector of sustainable infrastructure.”

The micro-credential courses are targeted for Manitobans currently working in the fields of construction, trades or engineering, to provide necessary up-skilling. The program was designed to help learners acquire the knowledge and specialized skills to get certified as an EA and pass the Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) federal examination.

Once NRCan-certified, EAs can also add other NRCan services to their qualification, including EnerGuide for Multi-Unit Residential Buildings and ENERGY STAR for New Homes.

“The opportunity to partner with RRC for a made-in-Manitoba Energy Advisor training program will not only help fill the immediate demand for EAs, but also help ensure homeowners get quality information on how best to make their homes more energy efficient, while taking advantage of grant incentives,” says Jack Winram, Executive Director, Manitoba Environmental Industries Association.

“Additionally, there will be positive economic impacts on private sector jobs created through energy efficiency upgrades offered by Efficiency Manitoba programs, home construction and renovations.”

The EA courses will be offered starting this fall in a blended learning environment — a mix of online, in-person labs at RRC’s Notre Dame Campus and in-field experience (subject to Public Health guidelines).

Registration is now open for the Energy Advisor micro-credential courses.