HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania — Pennsylvania’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has launched Penn Heat Pump Pathways, a statewide workforce training program designed to recruit, train, and upskill HVAC workers to install energy-efficient heat pumps.

Funded through a $4.9 million U.S. Department of Energy Training for Residential Energy Contractors (TREC) grant, the program is intended to prepare Pennsylvania’s workforce for growing demand for energy-efficient heating and cooling systems.

DEP expects the program to help support energy-efficiency improvements in more than 10,000 homes across Pennsylvania.

“Governor Shapiro has made investing in Pennsylvania’s workforce a top priority because we know creating more opportunities for workers strengthens our economy and helps families succeed,” said DEP Secretary Jessica Shirley. “Penn Heat Pump Pathways will prepare Pennsylvanians for good-paying careers while helping homeowners reduce energy costs through high-quality, energy-efficient installations.”

The program focuses on three areas: training, support, and opportunity.

Training providers will offer approved heat pump instruction for people entering the HVAC industry and experienced technicians seeking to expand their skills. Employers can use the program to upskill existing workers and recruit newly trained employees.

Eligible participants may receive support including paid training costs, wraparound services, and career resources. The program will also connect workers with apprenticeships, job placement opportunities, and career counseling through employer partnerships.

The TREC grant was awarded to DEP’s Energy Programs Office through the Inflation Reduction Act. Pennsylvania was the first state in the nation to receive TREC funding.

DEP worked with the Home Performance Coalition to develop Penn Heat Pump Pathways and build on existing heat pump training opportunities across Pennsylvania.

Workers and employers who successfully complete the program may become eligible to participate as qualified contractors in the Penn Energy Savers Program.

The Penn Energy Savers Program is designed to help eligible low- and moderate-income households purchase and install energy-efficient equipment, including heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, electric stoves, and heat pump clothes dryers. The program also covers electrical and insulation upgrades.

Eligible households could receive rebates of up to $14,000 toward qualified equipment, materials, and installation costs.

The workforce initiative builds on Pennsylvania’s broader investment in skilled trades. Over the past three years, the Commonwealth increased funding for apprenticeship programs and career and technical education from $118 million to $183 million.

During the same period, Pennsylvania registered 266 new pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs and enrolled more than 20,000 new apprentices across the state.

Penn Heat Pump Pathways is intended to expand access to specialized HVAC training while connecting workers and employers with opportunities related to heat pump installation and energy-efficiency improvements.