DOE requests comments on Contractor Training Program

On December 22, 2022, the Department of Energy (DOE)’s Office of State and Community Energy Programs issued a Request for Information on the State-Based Home Energy Efficiency Contractor Training Program (also known as the Contractor Training Program) established via section 50123 of the IRA and two similar programs (Energy Auditor Training and Career Skills Training) established through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The Request for Information indicates that, through implementation of the programs, DOE “aims to support the creation of good-paying jobs with the free and fair choice to join a union, the incorporation of strong labor standards, and high-road workforce development, especially sector-based training, Registered Apprenticeship, and quality pre-apprenticeship.” In the request for information, DOE seeks input “on issues related to the development and implementation of the” programs. DOE has posed specific questions related to, among other things, “accessing federal funding,” “equity and partnerships,” and “workforce development and business owner training strategies.”  Responses were due by January 26, 2023.