Note: This page contains in-depth details of the GETS program. If you are interested in applying for GETS, click here.
Participatants in GETS meet these requirements before they begin the program:
o High school diploma, GED, or equivalent
o 18 years old or older
o 8th grade reading, reading comprehension, writing, and math level
o Fluent in English
o Expressed desire to enter the workforce upon completion of training
o Stable living situation
o Reliable transportation to and from the training
By the end of GETS trainees can:
o Use and understand energy-related words and concepts
o Identify and record opportunities to improve building energy efficiency and conservation
o Use energy efficiency assessment tools
o Assist in weatherizing homes and small buildings
o Conduct a walk-through home performance assessment
o Complete an assessment report
o Communicate effectively with team members, supervisors, and customers
Graduates are prepared to enter the following green jobs:
o Entry-level Air Sealer and Insulation Installer
o Entry-level HVAC repairer/installer
o Entry-level Energy Auditor
o Weatherization Specialist
o Entry-level Construction worker
o Energy Specialist
GETS covers a wide range of theoretical and practical energy efficiency topics, but the focus is on testing residential homes and on common retrofitting practices. The theoretical section covers building science, thermodynamics, on-the-job safety, report presentation techniques and customer service. The practical section covers performance testing, remediation techniques, duct testing, insulation installation, depressurization testing, envelope sealing and more.
Building Science Fundamentals
o History of Building Science
o Eco-literacy
o Thermodynamics Introduction
o Residential Construction Review
o Locating opportunities for Energy Improvements
o Identifying Performance Issues
Contractor/Client Interface
o The Client
o Testing someone's home
o The data collection report
o Analyzing the data
o Presenting the information
Performance Testing Introduction
o Infiltration
o Duct leakage
o Combustion safety
Remediation Methods and Techniques
o Envelope
o Crawl spaces
o Walls
o Attics
o Duct Systems
o Lighting
o Water Conservation
o Weatherizing
o Baseload Reduction
The council is composed of representatives from home performance businesses, general contractors, trade associations, partner organizations, government representatives (city, county, state and federal), and others. This empowers employers to shape the GETS curriculum, to network, and to learn from each other about industry trends. Feedback from employers ensures that GETS graduates have the necessary skills to meet the professional standards of today's industry.
Currently GETS is offered exclusively as part of the City of Richmond's RichmondBUILD construction skills training program. Rising Sun is preparing to expand the GETS program. Existing organizations can either partner with Rising Sun to implement a GETS program or license the GETS program and implement it on their own. To learn more about licensing GETS, click here.
Interested in learning more? Contact George Kopf, GETS Program Director: by phone at (510) 665-1501 x17, via email, or by filling out the form below.
CONTACT RISING SUN
A GETS trainee practices insulating ductwork.
A GETS trainee working in the RichmondBUILD training space.