EGIA Backs Workforce Initiative Bringing Green HVAC Training to Disadvantaged Communities in Southern LA County

Green HVAC education and $10,000 scholarship contribution support pre-apprenticeship training through GreenWorks LA Sustainable Jobs Consortium expanding access to clean energy careers for disadvantaged communities in Southern Los Angeles and driving broader positive environmental impact.
Aug. 29, 2025
2 min read

SACRAMENTO, California — Green HVAC training is taking center stage in a new workforce initiative aimed at preparing residents of Southern Los Angeles County for careers in clean energy.

The California Jobs First Catalyst Grant is supporting the GreenWorks LA Sustainable Jobs Consortium, which is developing pre-apprenticeship programs in sustainable trades. A key focus of the program is HVAC training that equips participants with the skills needed to install and maintain heat pumps and other energy-efficient systems.

The EGIA Foundation announced its support for the California Jobs First Catalyst Grant initiative, as part of the GreenWorks LA Sustainable Jobs Consortium. Through the provision of industry-recognized curriculum and a $10,000 scholarship fund, the EGIA Foundation is helping to reinvigorate green jobs training in HVAC for opportunity youth, formerly incarcerated individuals, and justice-impacted people in Southern Los Angeles County.

As part of the initiative, the EGIA Foundation is contributing industry-aligned curriculum developed by Contractor University focused on green HVAC technologies and sustainable practices. This tailored training will be integrated into the Consortium’s broader workforce development program and is designed to equip participants with the practical skills and knowledge needed to succeed in providing heat pump installation and maintenance.

“Through this program, we’re delivering more than just education, we’re creating pathways to careers that strengthen local communities while supporting California’s clean energy goals,” said Eric Hatton, vice president of utilities and government services at EGIA. “The EGIA Foundation is proud to provide support to ensure these training opportunities are accessible to those who have historically been left out of these high-growth sectors.”

As California moves toward electrification and reduced carbon emissions, demand for heat pump installation and service continues to rise. By offering technical training in green HVAC, the Consortium aims to both meet workforce needs and create opportunities for individuals from historically underserved populations to enter the industry.

The initiative underscores the growing importance of HVAC in the clean energy transition, with an emphasis on preparing the next generation of technicians to work with advanced, efficient technologies.

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