Weatherization Training

Weatherization training programs are in full swing as many state operated agencies have received funding necessary to cover operational costs. Many centers and agencies have an intense focus on developing technical skills necessary to cover the increased demand and expectations over the next 2 to 3 years. In April of this year Appreciative Strategies announced an array of training programs targeted at soft-skills otherwise known throughout this sector as "people-skills." These programs cover topics such as customer service, effective communications, and supervisory training. While often not immediately identified for "front-line" technicians, these skills form the backbone of all successful interactions with the public and workplace teams.

If you operate a weatherization program or otherwise provide services to this sector, have your employee teams received the necessary soft-skills training? Appreciative Strategies urges organizations to act now before a breakdown in communication, customer service, or supervisory skills causes an unwanted and unnecessary problem.

Weatherization Marketing

As programs launch with stronger funding than perhaps ever before will they find enough homes to serve? Agencies in many States have been preparing to train more field technicians and energy auditors and quickly get them into the field. When they are ready, will they have homes to serve? In some cases there may be a waiting list, but in still other cases homeowners may not realize that they qualify under the new standards. It seems feasible that there should be a marketing effort associated with the launch of this seemingly “stimulus related” activity.

Do you own a home that qualifies? If you are an agency, do you have homes to serve?

32 Czar's, No Weatherization Czar

Should there be a Weatherization Czar? We have an Energy Czar, Urban Czar, and Stimulus Accountability Czar. Perhaps weatherization is falling under one of those categories? To be honest, I think there should be a few less Czar's.