WAPTAC Weatherization Assistance Program� Technical Assistance Center

THE NATIONAL STANDARDIZED TRAINING CURRICULA

Comprehensive, Industry-Tested TrainingEnvision, as a trainer, having access to a complete set of technical training materials covering every aspect of the home energy retrofit industry. And what if those materials were free?

Imagine, as a trainee, knowing that your training program was built on the institutional knowledge and best practices of a national network with over 36 years of experience delivering cost-effective home performance retrofits.

Enter the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) National Standardized Training Curricula.

In order to equip the WAP network of trainers and training centers with comprehensive technical training resources and set the bar for new training resource development, DOE developed the WAP Standardized Training Curricula (the Curricula), now available on www.waptac.org. The Curricula:

• Compiles the institutional knowledge of the national WAP network.

• Includes 10 complete modules with others in development.

• Is provided in editable formats so users may swap graphics for more regionally specific images and update resources as needed.

• Draws from and includes hundreds of supplemental resources including videos, articles, books, worksheets and on-line training lessons.

• Is available at no cost.

The Master Bibliography aligns a wealth of relevant resources with the fitting curricula chapters.

The Curricula Modules

There are currently 10 complete modules available and two more in development. Modules are regularly updated to ensure access to the most up-to-date and relevant information. Each module contains:

• Hands-on Props where applicable

• Glossary of Key Terminology

• Either a Sample Course Schedule or a Master Bibliography and instructions for “How to Use This Curriculum.”

Each chapter within a module includes:

• Learning Objectives

• PowerPoint presentation with photos from the field and specially developed graphics

• Detailed Speaker Notes embedded in the presentation

• Lesson Plan with prop lists and creative ideas to engage trainees

• Suggested Handouts & Resources, including worksheets, articles, and other materials the instructor can use for background research or as homework in the class

Weatherization Assistance Program� Technical Assistance Center

From left to right: A student gains hands-on experience installing dense-pack sidewall insulation; A sample slide from the standardized curricula; An instructor prepares students for a water heater exercise.

What’s Available?Installer Fundamentals

The Weatherization Installer/Technician Fundamentals module lays the groundwork for new/existing weatherization installers interested in understanding and expanding upon their knowledge of weatherization. It is the first module to be aligned with the new DOE/NREL Job Task Analyses (JTAs). Aligning curriculum with the JTAs is a requirement for the IREC accreditation process. It also aims to provide a strong foundation for training to prepare candidates for the National Home Energy Professional Retrofit Installer/Technician worker certification. Topics covered include: safe work practices, preparing and cleaning up the job site, tools and equipment maintenance, and all typical measures, from attic air sealing to dense-pack sidewall insulation.

Installer Mobile Homes

The Weatherization Installer – Mobile Homes module covers the technical aspects of weatherizing a mobile home in practical, easy-to-follow steps. Topics covered include: an introduction to mobile homes, including how they are constructed and relevant codes information, mobile home sidewall, belly and roof retrofit methods, and mechanical systems information specific to mobile homes.

Installer Multifamily*

The Installer – Multifamily module will build on the groundwork laid in Installer Fundamentals. Specific differences in multifamily buildings are covered, including construction basics, ventilation, and typical energy retrofit measures.

Crew Chief

The Crew Chief module (soon to be renamed Crew Leader) prepares trainees for the added responsibilities of leading a crew. Topics covered include: effective crew management, materials and tools tracking and maintenance, building and safety codes, and maintaining quality control.

Energy Auditor – Single Family

At 31 chapters, the Energy Auditor - Single Family is the largest curricula module and includes 9 “Prerequisite” chapters to bring trainees up to par on topics like intermediate math, building science basics, energy movement, and regulations, codes and standards before delving into the more job-specific core chapters. Topics covered in the core chapters include: communication skills, building assessment, utility bill analysis, calculating envelope energy loss, energy audit software, generating a work order, and much more.

Energy Auditor – Multifamily

The Energy Auditor - Multifamily module builds on the groundwork laid in Energy Auditor – Single Family. Specific differences in the approach to auditing multifamily buildings are highlighted. Topics covered include pre-audit preparation and walk-through, data collection, diagnostic techniques, and generating a work order.

These modules are being updated to align with DOE/NREL JTAs and will be available summer/fall of 2012.

* This module is still in development.

Weatherization Assistance Program� Technical Assistance Center

Technical Monitor/Inspector

The Technical Monitor/Inspector module (soon to be renamed Quality Control Inspector) prepares a worker to take on a quality control role in the home performance industry. Topics covered include: desk (or file) monitoring, on-site inspections including a sub-section on in-progress monitoring, building assessment, equipment needs, and generating useful reports.

Heating Systems for Energy Auditors and Inspectors – Single Family

This curriculum module builds upon the Energy Auditor – Single Family lessons to go into greater detail on the various heating systems typically found in residential dwellings. Topics covered include: combustion basics, venting and distribution systems and appropriate system sizing. Systems associated with various heating fuels are also included, and while efficiency testing and replacement options are thoroughly covered, special emphasis is given to safety testing.

Mechanical Systems – Multifamily

Mechanical Systems – Multifamily builds upon the Energy Auditor – Multifamily module. Identification, testing, and replacement/ improvement options for various systems typically found in multifamily dwellings is covered, including hot water and steam heating systems and domestic hot water. Piping configurations, controls, pumps and motors, and general operation and maintenance are all discussed for each system type.

Train the Trainer

The Train the Trainer module prepares those with some technical background in home performance and energy retrofitting to effectively pass their knowledge on to others as trainers. Topics covered include: adult education concepts, technology enhanced learning, and the logistics of delivering on-site trainings using real, occupied housing stock. The course is designed to include participant-delivered sessions followed by feedback from the trainers and fellow trainees to improve presentation and communication skills in a friendly environment of peers.

Weatherization TV filmed an entire episode about the Curricula. View it at http://wxtvonline.org/2011/03/doe-curricula/.

Weatherization Assistance Program� Technical Assistance Center

WAP Health & Safety for Programmatic Staff

This module covers the WAP Health & Safety guidance, Weatherization Program Notice (WPN) 11-6, and informs program managers and administrative staff how to incorporate the guidance into their Grantee Plan.

ASHRAE 62.2

The ASHRAE 62.2 module explains the purpose of and need for ventilation and details the requirements of the most recent residential ventilation standard: ASHRAE 62.2 – 2010. The lesson includes regional examples of ventilation requirements under this standard, worksheets for classroom practice, and suggested work flows for different workers (installer, auditor, etc.).

Lead-Safe Weatherization

This module includes an overview of lead-based paint, a detailed look at the health effects of lead exposure, and step-by-step instructions for working lead-safe to minimize worker and resident exposure. Hands-on containment activities are practiced, and this training aligns with RRP, OSHA and NIOSH standards.

Program Management Training*

The Program Management Training module covers specific duties of the WAP manager, including grant applications, program funding options, procurement and contracts, program standard development and much more. This training is ideal for the new program manager and for refreshing long-time managers who may have never received formal, WAP-specific training. Many of the lessons can be used to train grants managers for programs other than WAP.

Where to Get the TrainingWhile the Curriculum can be used as a self-study tool when necessary, there is no substitute for a knowledgeable, engaging instructor with access to the tools and materials that bring these courses to life.

Numerous Weatherization Training Centers across the country deliver some form of the Curricula. Please visit: www.waptac.org/WAP-Network-Verified.aspx for information on specific training centers, and to arrange your own technical home performance training built on over 36 years of industry experience.

No a training center in your area? Many WTCs travel to deliver training to areas without access to a local training center.

For more information, contact:

U.S. Department of Energy Weatherization Assistance Program

WAPinfo@nrel.gov (Subject line: Curricula)

Or visit: eere.energy.gov/wip/wap.html