Join the fast-growing clean energy industry with a paid training and internship!
CEE offers paid training to join the fast-growing clean energy and energy efficiency sector. We prioritize training Black, Indigenous, Asian, Latine, people of color and women from communities across the Twin Cities that have been underrepresented in this industry. Past graduates have gone on to work as energy auditors, insulation installers, line workers, contractors, and more.
Check out each page below to learn more about eligibility and registration!
Additional Resources
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.
http://www.hennepin.us/en/residents/licenses-certificates-permits/drivers-licenses#
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.
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 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@xlqx.net with any questions or concerns related to this.
Have questions? Contact our workforce development team at careertraining@xlqx.net
Meet our partners.
Paid In-Person Training
CEE will provide a paid 45-hour hands-on exploratory training funded by Ramsey County and in partnership with Saint Paul College for those interested in careers within insulation and HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning).
Training includes:
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Basics of construction & building science, heating, ventilation and mechanical systems
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Opportunity to earn industry-recognized, stackable credentials with NREL
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Hands-on skills needed in residential insulation and HVAC
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Exposure to cutting-edge HVAC technologies from industry experts
Following the paid 45-hour training, there will be a paid two-week intensive hands-on training to allow for a deeper dive into HVAC and insulation. Participants will have the opportunity to enter directly into employment or continue on for a paid 4–6-month long internship with a local HVAC or insulation company to learn more about energy efficiency on the job.
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Age 18-30 at time of enrollment
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Ramsey County resident (or if experiencing homelessness, must be connected to Ramsey County)
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Legally authorized to work in the U.S.
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Must have a valid driver's license
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5th/6th grade reading and math level and advanced intermediate English required
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Preference to low-income individuals and those with barriers to employment/education
Sign Up
Registration for this program will be open this fall. Please contact us at 612-455-7863 or careertraining@xlqx.net. in the meantime with any questions.
Meet our Partners
Paid Five-Week In-Person Training
Earn $550 per week 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 length:
Twin cities - 5-week paid training
St. Cloud - 2-week paid training with the opportunity to continue on for an additional 2 weeks.
Training includes:
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Basics of building science and home energy audits, insulation, and air sealing
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Installation training from experts
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Relevant job-site safety guidelines, math for construction, and more!
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Basic support services (e.g., bus, gas cards, etc.)
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
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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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Must have a driver's license by the beginning of the internship
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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:
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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
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Minneapolis: Bottineau, Cedar-Riverside, East Phillips, Hawthorne, Marshall Terrace, McKinley, Midtown Phillips, Near North, Phillips West, Sheridan and Ventura Village
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Must have a driver’s license by the beginning of the internship
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Able to life 40-50 pounds
Energy Auditor 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
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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 required
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Able to pass a one-time drug test
Sign Up
Fill out the entire form below and a CEE staff person will be in touch with you shortly. Please direct any additional questions to careertraining@xlqx.net.