Michigan Training & Education Center

Energy Auditor

BPI CEU’s: 32.5

Prerequisites: Virtual Math Prep and Diagnostic Tools for Auditing are recommended but not required

Intended Audience: This class is intended for those in the Energy Auditor JTA and who have prior experience in weatherization

Training Type: Comprehensive, (JTA = Energy Auditor)

Description:

This advanced five-day course provides a complete overview of the knowledge, skills, and abilities to become an Energy Auditor. Participants will learn audit theory, concepts, and procedures through classroom instruction and hands-on practice, covering the entire audit process from start to finish. Designed for those with prior knowledge, this training integrates previous learning into a comprehensive approach to performing energy audits.

Learning Objectives:

By attending this session, participants will be able to:

Recognize the requirements needed to function as an Energy Auditor in the DOE Weatherization Program
Locate and discuss all forms and documents required as part of the audit process
Organize class information and previous knowledge base into a comprehensive field audit process
Demonstrate Auditor skills and inspection processes in the field per Michigan and BPI HEP EA standards
Formulate a viable work scope for a home
Validate work scope recommendations

PLEASE NOTE: Due to this class being part of a training series, your registration will initially be placed on a waitlist. MiTEC will reach out to confirm student’s training path to approve registration.

CAZ Pressure Diagnostics

BPI CEU’s: 6.5

Prerequisites: None

Training Type: Comprehensive, (JTA = Energy Auditor)

Intended Audience: This class is intended for those in the Energy Auditor JTA but will also benefit Crew Leaders.

Description:

This one-day class is designed for Auditors and Technicians who are responsible for performing CAZ pressure diagnostics and affecting repairs. We have long been familiar with the term “worst case” draft testing and while Health & Safety (H&S) has primarily been our main concern, there are also building durability, comfort, Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) and efficiency issues that we must consider. In this class we will discuss concepts and root causes of pressure issues from a more holistic perspective along with CAZ testing procedures and equipment. This class has a hands-on portion where participants will perform pressure diagnostics on a test house. For a more complete perspective, participants will then be challenged to interpret diagnostic test results, identify appropriate repairs, and discuss predictability to help ensure that the building works in all respects during and after Weatherization.

While not a prerequisite, this course is recommended before taking the Energy Auditor course.

Learning objectives:

By attending this session, participants will be able to:

Define the concepts behind how structural and mechanical systems interact in residential buildings
Learn how pressure imbalances caused by these interactions create problems with health & safety, building durability, comfort and energy efficiency
Review all Auditor responsibilities regarding CAZ pressure testing and operational testing of appliances under “worst case” conditions
Explore how a review of the CAZ pressure testing results can help drive work scope development and remediation of problems

Dense Pack Wall Insulation

BPI CEU’s: 6.5

Prerequisites: None

Training Type: Comprehensive, (JTA = Retrofit Installer, Crew Leader)

Intended Audience: This class is intended for those in the Retrofit Installer and Crew Leader JTAs.

Description:

Dense Pack Wall Insulation is an in-depth, one-day course intended to cover the principles behind dense pack wall insulation. This class will examine proper equipment set up and maintenance along with the necessary tools needed for optimal uniformity, target density, workflow and production. We will explore the guidance, best practices, and filling techniques related to dense pack insulation. This course will be a combination of classroom and lab activities using dense pack wall props.

Learning Objectives:

By attending this session, participants will be able to:

Identify access to specific dense pack insulation work areas
Apply protective measures and cleaning practices while working on the home
Explain the importance of achieving uniform density within the cavity
Select necessary dense pack tools, and materials (including safety equipment)
Identify insulation equipment setup and maintenance protocols
Reference dense pack related guidance and techniques
Demonstrate dense pack filling techniques
Illustrate methods to verify proper density has been achieved

Weatherization 101

BPI CEU’s: 6.5

Prerequisites: None

Training Type: Comprehensive, (JTA = Retrofit Installer, Crew Leader)

Description:

This one-day course will cover principles and theories of building science, as well as basic techniques and strategies used in weatherization. Training will focus on the house as a system concept and discuss how the measures we install affect the home’s pressure, moisture, and temperature, and the overall big picture as it relates to building science. Further, we will cover the importance of performing diagnostic testing and understanding baseload, ventilation, weatherproofing, and mechanical measures.

Learning Objectives:

By attending this session, participants will be able to:

Understand possible interactions of different home elements
Recognize possible effects of changes made during weatherization
Locate and recognize the thermal and pressure boundaries
Describe how driving forces affect home performance
Illustrate the link between air leakage, energy waste, and moisture problems
Explain the principle behind the blower door and other diagnostic tools
Convey the need for ventilation and the related options and guidelines
Define the need for weatherproofing any created building penetrations
Identify the importance of combustion safety throughout the work scope
Outline the impact of baseloads with regard to energy-saving potential

Identify program fenestration repair and replacement perspective.

Foundation Insulation

BPI CEU’s: 6.5

Prerequisites: None

Training Type: Comprehensive, (JTA = Crew Leader or Retrofit Installer)

Description:

This one-day course will cover techniques and best practices for insulating foundations in the Weatherization Assistance Program following the Michigan Field Guide (MFG) and Standard Work Specifications (SWS). We will cover the characteristics of foundations and how best to approach these sometimes- challenging installations. Included will be proper vapor/soil gas retarder installation, air sealing, worker safety, standards, and acceptable insulation application. The in-person course will be a combination of classroom and lab activities using foundation props.

Learning Objectives:

By attending this session, participants will be able to:

Recognize the importance of air sealing prior to insulation
Locate and verify access to specific work areas
Identify guidance and standards for acceptable installations
Organize equipment, tools, and materials necessary for proper installation
Recognize proper installation of vapor/soil gas retarder, insulation, and air sealing measures
Validate effectiveness of installed measures

NEAT/MHEA Data Entry

BPI CEUs: 13.0

Prerequisites: None

Intended Audience: JTA= Energy Auditor

Description:

This two-day course will instruct users on data entry and evaluation of energy conservation measures using Weatherization Assistant (WAweb). We will review audit forms and discuss methodology behind data entry. Class participants will individually model a sample home and create a Measures Report for evaluation.

Please bring a computer (a tablet will not work).

Learning Objectives:

By attending this session, participants will be able to:

Select proper libraries in creation of an audit
Reinforce the importance of proper data entry
Input data in an appropriate manner for accurate calculation of SIR
Run a Measures Report with appropriate ECM’s specified
Ensure Itemized Measures are also documented in the report

Quality Control Inspector (QCI)

BPI CEU’s: 6.5

Prerequisites: It is recommended for certified Energy Auditors and Quality Control Inspectors

Training Type: Comprehensive (JTA = Quality Control Inspector)

Description:

This one-day course will provide essential best practices for becoming an effective and certified Quality Control Inspector. We will outline techniques for evaluating the work scope completely and accurately from desktop preview to in-progress visits through job completion. We will also discuss measures of effectiveness, missed opportunities, additional work, and report writing. This course will include a written assessment for final completion.

Learning Objectives:

By attending this session, participants will be able to:

Explore the steps to receive a QCI micro-credential through a BPI test center
Locate policy, regulations, and standards as they apply to a scope of work
Identify worker compliance with safety regulations
Indicate protocol of a QCI in-progress evaluation
Interpret on site documentation accuracy
Define installed measures and initial assessment details
Reference standards in relation to installed measures
Determine if scope of work policy requirements have been satisfied
Identify techniques and procedures for successful inspections
Describe desktop, in-progress, monitoring, and reporting methods
Trace QCI responsibilities related to the work scope from beginning to end
Evaluate missed opportunities and scope of work omissions

Weatherization 101

BPI CEU’s: 6.5

Prerequisites: None

Training Type: Comprehensive, (JTA = Retrofit Installer, Crew Leader)

Description:

Learning Objectives:

By attending this session, participants will be able to:

Understand possible interactions of different home elements
Recognize possible effects of changes made during weatherization
Locate and recognize the thermal and pressure boundaries
Describe how driving forces affect home performance
Illustrate the link between air leakage, energy waste, and moisture problems
Explain the principle behind the blower door and other diagnostic tools
Convey the need for ventilation and the related options and guidelines
Define the need for weatherproofing any created building penetrations
Identify the importance of combustion safety throughout the work scope
Outline the impact of baseloads with regard to energy-saving potential

Identify program fenestration repair and replacement perspective.

Mobile Home Weatherization

BPI CEU’s: 6.5

Prerequisites: Weatherization 101 preferred but not required

Training Type: Comprehensive, (JTA = Crew Leader or Retrofit Installer)

Description:

This one-day course provides an in-depth look at the unique characteristics of mobile home construction and offers practical guidance on installing energy-saving measures. Participants will learn the proper techniques for installing weatherization measures and explore proven strategies for successful mobile home weatherization. This course will be a combination of classroom and lab activities using mobile home props.

Learning Objectives:

By attending this session, participants will be able to:

Observe aspects of mobile home construction and components
Recognize mobile home specific tools and requirements
Identify mobile home specific health and safety concerns
Review air sealing techniques specific to mobile homes
Address duct system sealing, repairs, and diagnostics
Determine appropriate mobile home retrofit insulation techniques and options
Exercise general mobile home best practices

Crew Leader

BPI CEU’s: 13.0

Training Type: Comprehensive, (JTA = Crew Leader or Retrofit Installer)

Intended Audience: This class is intended for those following the Crew Leader JTA

Description:

This two-day course equips participants with essential knowledge and skills for supervising shell projects in the Weatherization Assistance Program. Topics include planning and managing the scope of work, job site preparation, project implementation, and completion. The class will cover building science principles, health and safety, program requirements, and effective collaboration with weatherization professionals—providing a comprehensive approach to ensure successful and productive project outcomes.

Learning Objectives:

By attending this session, participants will be able to:

Recognize the requirements of persons in the role of weatherization crew leader
Express leadership skills for effectively managing a crew and problem solving
Locate and discuss all forms and documents required of a crew leader in the Michigan WAP
Elaborate on the actions of developing a plan to execute the scope of work
Indicate what is needed to prepare and maintain a job site
Identify the processes of implementing the scope of work
Plan what is required to manage the entire project
Describe the steps a crew leader takes in finalizing the job
Define the relationships with other weatherization staff
Illustrate the role of the crew leader in maintaining quality control
Associate the importance of safe work practices throughout the project
Calculate and anticipate the need for controlled ventilation