Washington State Residential Energy Workforce Gap Analysis

CETI worked on a project with Kinetic West, BW Research Partnership, and Uncommon Bridges to conduct a residential energy workforce gap analysis for a contract with the Washington State Department of Commerce that concluded in August 2024 with the Washington State Residential Energy Workforce Gap Analysis report.

The study includes a landscape analysis of current and projected energy workforce needs; mapping existing workforce pathways, with a focus on outcomes for people historically underrepresented within these jobs; and meaningful engagement with people developing workforce strategies.

The report developed the following key recommendations to support residential energy efficiency occupational growth and improvement:

• Scale existing training programs and reduce barriers to produce a skilled and stable residential energy efficiency workforce.
• Improve the quality of residential energy efficiency jobs.
• Align incentive programs with worker-centered standards.
• Grow a diverse workforce and center Women and Minority Business Enterprises (MWBE) employers.
• Support small business opportunities and engagement.