Building Industry Capacity
The BC Energy Plan sets out some ambitious energy conservation goals. One of the keys to success will be ensuring industry members are up to speed on the best and most current energy-saving techniques. The Alliance is playing a lead role in helping to identify and address the various training needs of our industry stakeholders, which include certified electricians, consulting engineers and architects, electrical contractors, manufacturers and distributors of energy-efficient equipment and building owners/operators.
In 2008, we developed a training plan that focused on three broad categories: technical knowledge, business tactics and behavioural change. Since then, we have implemented a number of programs designed to enhance technical skills and build capacity, such as supporting various educational programs -- Douglas College’s two-year “Building Environmental Systems” course and the Building Owners and Managers Association’s online “Energy Training for Building Operators” course – and partnering with distributors and manufacturers to present customer and staff-focused seminars. In addition, more than 20 Power Smart orientations, seminars and information sessions for the commercial trades were held between May and December 2008.
But these are just the first steps towards meeting our goals. Looking ahead, here are some of the initiatives that are presently in the works:
- Creation of a new Sustainable Energy Manager diploma course in partnership with BCIT. The program is slated for a spring 2009 launch;
- Production of a new industry course catalogue that outlines not only available courses, but also course content and learning outcomes, so as to better target potential participants.
- Ongoing Power Smart orientation sessions
If you’d like more information about any of these initiatives or how you and/or your employees can participate in these training programs, contact us.