Author: Pablo Torres
In our previous blog, we explained what weatherization is; described the financial, health, safety and comfort benefits for households; and introduced the North Carolina Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP).
Weatherization provides benefits beyond the household. By providing weatherization services, the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is helping to lower carbon emissions, reduce overall strain on the electric grid, make homes more resilient to extreme weather, and contribute to NC’s energy independence.
DEQ’s weatherization programs also drive economic development. Small businesses and contractors are supported statewide and are key to making our programs successful.
How it Works
In North Carolina, DEQ’s weatherization program is largely implemented through the program’s service providers, which includes Community Action Agencies (CAAs), local governments and other community partners. Funds flowing to these organizations have highly localized economic benefits, as weatherization service providers in turn buy goods and services from local trade subcontractors and other businesses. Nationally, the Weatherization Assistance Program supports more than 8,500 skilled laborers and thousands more in related industries. Service providers hire, train, certify and retain their highly skilled weatherization workforce through competitive pay and benefits.
DEQ’s weatherization program includes a focus on transforming the weatherization workforce in NC. It does this by offering free training and certifications to the current workforce, and by growing the workforce of the next generation, in part through pre-apprenticeship training opportunities followed by apprenticeship placements with service providers.
A great example of workforce development is illustrated by DEQ’s own weatherization staff, A great example of workforce development is illustrated by DEQ’s own weatherization staff, Jo McAninch, who through a series of professional development steps progressed her 20-year weatherization career from crew member, to auditor, to quality control inspector, to technical analyst for the DEQ Weatherization Assistance Program. Her dedication to weatherization has positively impacted communities statewide, helping to educate clients, improve weatherization services and increase access to the program.
On October 30, we celebrate National Weatherization Day and invite you to learn more at deq.nc.gov/weatherization or by contacting seo.wap_info@deq.nc.gov or your local weatherization service provider.