REnEW Program

Learn how you can upgrade your skills and invest in your future!

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worker in safety equipment

What is it?

REnEW (Residential Energy Efficient Works) is a four-week training program with classroom and hands-on field instruction. You will earn job-ready skills including:

  • basic construction methods
  • draftproofing, caulking, upgrading insulation and installing water-efficient devices
  • first-aid, fall protection and safety certification
  • how to develop an employment action plan and receive post-graduation job search support.

Who can apply?

This program is open to anyone 18 years or older who has an interest in pursing a career in energy efficiency retrofits. Experience is not required, but participants must have an interest in the trades, a customer service orientation and a “can do” attitude.

How to apply?

If you are interested in this program, contact CMHA Kelowna’s Tamiko Keating, at tamiko.keating@cmhakelowna.org or 250-801-5654.

woman worker with ear protection

About the Residential Energy Efficiency Works (REnEW) Program

Our Programming

Initiated in 2010 the REnEW program’s main objective is to expose and educate people who may have experienced barriers to employment, to the energy efficient retrofit and construction industry.

The program typically consists of four main components. The first component is an in-class session that teaches participants about energy use and heat loss prevention within homes. Important technical skills for the construction industry like trade math and workplace readiness are also covered. Once the in-class session is completed, participants attend safety training and earn coveted industry-certified safety certifications. These certificates (including but not limited to: WHMIS, Fall Protection, First Aid, and Construction Safety Training Systems), in addition to providing participants with a foundation of safety knowledge, help to motivate employers to hire them.

Participants spend up to two weeks working on site, mentoring with construction professionals, and learning important energy-efficient fundamentals along with construction best practices. In the fourth and final phase, and after graduation, participants are mentored by the REnEW partner’s program coordinator, for up to three months, to help them find long-term or permanent work placement. This includes helping participants to source opportunities, refine their resume, prep for interviews, as well as map out success in their new role, including transportation options, planning lunches, ensuring work gear /clothing is adequate to keep them warm, dry, and safe. Fortis BC further supports program participants by paying a wage throughout the duration of the program.

FortisBC in collaboration with the program partners have continued this program for more than a decade, helping more than 165 graduates take this next step in their career. It is through the support of these organizations that the REnEW program continues to succeed and provides an opportunity for local participants to expand their skills in the energy retrofit sector.

REnEW is supported by:

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