Energy Career Training
Connecticut’s colleges, universities, and training centers offer many programs to prepare you for a successful career in energy. Search training opportunites by specific fields, such as environmental science, waste treatment, environmental control technician and weatherization, electrician, and others.
Also check out the programs available at these institutions:
ICPA Technical Education Center
Located in Cromwell, the Independent Connecticut Petroleum Association (ICPA) Center offers the following training in HVAC, BPI energy audits, solar thermal certirfication, propane, commercial driver’s license, plumbing continuing education, and HAZMAT.
Construction Education Center
Connecticut requires individuals to have a solar thermal certificate in order to install domestic hot water thermal systems. A prerequisite is to complete a 24-hour training program. The Construction Education Center is an approved provider of the 24-hour Solar Thermal Course for plumbing & HVAC license holders.
Institute for Sustainable Energy
The Institute for Sustainable Energy at Eastern Connecticut State University focuses on energy education, policy, conservation and load management, energy efficiency, renewable energy, distributed generation, protection of environmental resources, and the dissemination of information on alternative and sustainable energy to consumers and providers.
Sustainable Operations: Alternative and Renewable Energy Initiative (SOAR)
Many energy jobs require licensure, apprenticeships, and additional training. Connecticut’s community colleges offer technician training and certificate prorgrams to prepare students for jobs in energy and green technology.
Gateway Community College
Alternative Energy Transportation Technology Certificate
Solar Technology Certificate
Clean Water Management Certificate
Manchester Community College
Sustainable Energy Certificate
Naugatuck Valley Community College
Alternative Energy Systems Technology Certificate
Norwalk Community College
Building Efficiency and Sustainable Technology (BEST) Certificate
Three Rivers Community College
Sustainable Facilities Management Certificate
Sustainable Landscape Ecology and Conservation Technician Certificate
Center for a Sustainable Future
The Center for a Sustainable Future at Gateway Community College focuses on practical knowledge and technical skills and offers non-credit certificate programs in solar photovoltaic, solar thermal technical, and business development career tracks. Most courses are endorsed by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). The Center also offers The Efficiency First and Sustainable Building Advisors program. For information about course, go to Center for a Sustainable Future. To apply, go to Center for a Sustainable Future app.
College of Technology (COT)
The Connecticut Community Colleges’ College of Technology offers a unique technology and engineering training program that can prepare you for a technical-level engineering or manufacturing job in energy. Through the College of Technology, you can earn an associates degree in technological studies or engineering science at any one of the state’s 12 community colleges. Specialized programs and certificates include:
- Computer Aided Design (CAD)
- Fiber Optics and Photonics
- Plastics Technology
- Precision Manufacturing
- Environmental Studies
- Lean Manufacturing and Supply Chain Management
- Manufacturing Engineering Technology
- Technology Engineering Education
- Biomolecular Science
Both technological studies and engineering science programs provide a seamless pathway to continue your program as a junior in engineering at the University of Connecticut, Central Connecticut State University, Fairfield University, University of Hartford, University of New Haven, or Charter Oak State College, or in engineering technology or industrial technology at Central Connecticut State University.
For more information, contact Karen Wosczyna-Birch, executive director, Connecticut Community Colleges’ College of Technology’s Regional Center for Next Generation Manufacturing. The Regional Center for Next Generation Manufacturing is funded by the National Science Foundation.
CTHSS Green Technologies Initiatives Program
Connecticut’s technical high schools are taking advantage of an innovative program that brings a “green” house to their schools. The E-House, which incorporates an operating solar PV, solar thermal, weatherization, and energy efficiency lab, provides training and professional development for instructors. The E-House also offers a time capsule showing the insulation/construction practices of years past compared to today’s more efficient practices. Students and visitors may view the variety of insulation methods used through the clear acrylic wall covering installed at specific locations within the structure. For more information, contact Ray Mencio.
Institute of Environmental Management & Technology (IEMT)
Located in Shelton, IEMT offers specialized instruction in lead abatement, asbestos abatement, weatherization 1 & 2, BPI building analyst, and BPI envelope professional.
Industrial Management & Training Institute (IMTI)
Located in Waterbury, IMTI offers classes in solar thermal certification for plumbers and HVAC mechanics, solar PV (electrical) training for electricians, and a solar business course.