SkillHero
January 9, 2024
Are you passionate about the environment and helping homeowners save money on energy costs? Then you may want to learn how to become a weatherization technician.
By exploring methods for enhancing the energy efficiency of homes and commercial buildings, you can be a part of the solution to climate change while building a rewarding career.
If you're interested in pursuing a career in this skilled trade (or any other), sign up for a free SkillHero account. The SkillHero app connects aspiring workers with high-quality training, resources, and opportunities to succeed in their field.
Keep reading to discover the essential steps to kickstart your career optimizing and reducing energy consumption. Whether you're just starting out or looking to advance your skills, SkillHero is here to help you achieve your career goals.
Sign up now and take the first step towards becoming a weatherization technician.
What is a weatherization technician?
A weatherization technician is a skilled trade worker who specializes in improving the energy efficiency and comfort of homes and commercial buildings.
They're responsible for identifying and implementing various weatherization techniques, such as installing insulation, sealing air leaks, and optimizing HVAC systems to avoid energy losses.
This career path offers a wide range of opportunities including specializing in insulation installation, HVAC maintenance, and energy saving and auditing. Technicians may work with construction companies, building owners, and government entities as energy auditors, weatherization installers, or by creating energy efficiency programs.
A day in the life of this career may involve conducting audits and generating energy audit reports, installing insulation and weather-stripping, and sealing air leaks throughout a building. They may also interact with clients to provide energy saving recommendations and create strategies for reducing energy consumption.
Specialized trade paths for weatherization technicians include Air Sealing Specialist, Energy Auditor, Insulation Installer, and Window and Door Technician.
What do they do at work?
Workers in this trade are responsible for making buildings more energy-efficient to reduce energy costs and environmental impact. This may involve tasks such as installing insulation, performing energy audits, replacing windows with energy-efficient ones, and conducting blower door tests to identify air leaks.
Weatherization technicians use a variety of techniques to seal air leaks, improve ventilation, and minimize energy waste. They may be required to work in difficult-to-access areas such as when installing insulation in crawl spaces or along elevated windows.
What's the average salary for weatherization technicians?
Weatherization technicians can expect to earn around $33,645 annually at the apprentice level, $47,985 per year at the journeyman level, and $85,335 or more each year as masters.
Geographic location can also play a significant role in determining salary, with technicians in urban areas generally earning higher wages than those in rural areas with less dense populations.
Specializations in specific weatherization techniques or working with particular types of buildings can also impact salary potential.
How hard is it to become a weatherization technician?
Getting started in this trade requires a combination of classroom education and hands-on learning with most apprenticeship programs lasting 24 months.
Understanding how different types of insulation materials, storm windows, and water lines contribute to air leakage and heat loss takes time and patience, but it can lead to a rewarding career.
How to become a weatherization technician in the United States
With a growing demand for energy-efficient homes and commercial and industrial buildings, becoming a weatherization technician can provide you with a lucrative and meaningful career.
Here's an overview of the core steps you'll need to take to get started working in weatherization services:
Get a high school diploma or equivalent
A high school diploma or equivalent is essential for anyone looking to pursue a career in the skilled trades. It provides the foundational knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in a trade, such as basic math, reading, and problem-solving abilities.
While a high school education is the traditional route, an alternative option is obtaining a GED (General Education Diploma), which is an equivalent credential and accepted by many employers and trade schools.
Create a skilled trade resume
A great resume is crucial for skilled trade workers looking to stand out in their industry. It's their first impression for potential employers and a way to showcase your skills, experience, and qualifications.
SkillHero provides a resume builder as part of our free app which includes a database of industry-specific skills vetted by experts. This makes it easier for workers to accurately list their skills and qualifications.
Our user-friendly interface allows you to easily share your resume with job openings from local employers or export it as a PDF for external use.
Find an apprenticeship program
Apprenticeship programs are crucial for developing a skilled workforce in industries like weatherization. These programs provide hands-on training, mentorship, and classroom instruction, giving individuals practical experience and a pathway to a successful career.
SkillHero's ApprenticeConnect feature makes finding and applying for local apprenticeship opportunities fast and simple. It provides a searchable database of apprentice programs with filters such as trade and location. This can help you save more time to put towards other job-seeking activities.
Network within the industry
Networking is essential for technicians to build valuable connections within the industry. By networking with industry professionals, you can gain access to new job opportunities, mentorship, and valuable resources to advance their career. For example, connecting with an established weatherization agency can provide valuable insights and best practices.
By actively networking within the industry, weatherization technicians can open new doors for career advancement, skill development, and business growth, and stay up to date on the most effective weatherization measures and procedures.
Obtain and update relevant certifications
Obtaining and updating relevant certifications is crucial for weatherization technicians. These certifications demonstrate a technician’s expertise and dedication to the field, making them more competitive in the job market.
Some of the most common certifications in this trade include the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) certification and NCCER Introduction to Building Envelope Systems.
These certifications showcase specialized training and qualifications, giving technicians the skills and knowledge needed to perform their job effectively and safely. By keeping these certifications updated, weatherization technicians can stay abreast of industry standards and best practices and procedures, ultimately advancing their careers.
Who should become a weatherization technician?
Ideal candidates for becoming a weatherization technician are detail-oriented, physically fit, and good problem-solvers. They should also possess strong communication skills and the ability to work well independently and as part of a team.
A background in construction, HVAC, or related fields is beneficial, and candidates should have a solid understanding of building science and energy efficiency principles. Technical skills such as using power tools, understanding blueprints, and basic math are also essential.
If you're interested in implementing energy conservation measures and have the aptitude and tenacity to complete the right training program or apprenticeship, a career as a weatherization technician could be a great fit for you. Sign up for a free SkillHero account to get connected with local training, resources, and opportunities to kickstart your career in the skilled trades.
