The California Energy Commission approved Agreement FED-26-004 with the Western States Council of SMART for a $1,289,757 grant, according to the agency’s July 8 business meeting materials.
The project is part of the California-TREC contractor training program and is aimed at expanding residential HVAC and heat-pump training capacity, with a stated goal of helping technicians move toward contractor licenses in communities that need more residential electrification work.
According to the proposed resolution and grant request form, the funding will upgrade six Joint Apprenticeship and Training Centers and SMART Local 104 with residential HVAC and heat-pump equipment, new technician-to-contractor curriculum and contractor-readiness education. The six sites are in Modesto, Sacramento (Northern California Valley), Fresno, Nipomo (Tri-Counties), Los Angeles/San Bernardino and San Diego.
The packet says the project is intended to improve access to residential electrification services by strengthening workforce training. It also says the action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act under categorical exemptions for minor alterations and replacement or reconstruction work at existing facilities.
The scope of work outlines a project running through July 31, 2028, with tasks that include equipment procurement and installation, curriculum development, training delivery, outreach, scholarships, certifications and reporting requirements.
