To help contractors integrate into Energy Trust of Oregon’s trade ally network, the Peer Mentorship Program pairs emerging Contractor Development Pathway trade allies with experienced trade allies for one-on-one mentorship. Through training workshops, individual business support services and networking opportunities, the Contractor Development Pathway provides contractors with tools and insight to help them grow their businesses.
Energy Trust launched the Contractor Development Pathway and the Peer Mentorship Program in response to the need for more contractors, especially Black-, Indigenous-, women-, veteran- and rural-owned businesses, with experience in energy efficiency. Incorporating new contractors into the trade ally network and enrolling them in the Contractor Development Pathway ensures these businesses are prepared to deliver energy-efficiency projects. These trade allies will play an important role in supporting the state’s greenhouse gas reduction goals.
Over eight months, trade allies participating in the Contractor Development Pathway engage in activities to expand their knowledge of energy efficiency and increase work opportunities in the industry. The Peer Mentorship Program gives newcomers a better idea of what to expect from the Contractor Development Pathway and how to make the most of Energy Trust’s resources.
Becoming a trade ally can open up many business opportunities
Burch Energy joined the trade ally network to help “expand affordable clean energy access to all while enhancing our own credibility as a qualified contractor,” said the business’ Chief Operations Officer Kwasi Boateng. As an energy-efficiency consulting business, Burch Energy works to optimize its customers’ energy performance and ensure positive environmental impacts. The business specializes in energy efficiency audits, retrofits, design and control systems.
Kwasi Boateng, Burch Energy
Because of Burch Energy’s mission to build and sustain a path to equity in the clean energy economy, Boateng’s decision to get more involved in the trade ally network by enrolling in the Contractor Development Pathway came easily. He sees the challenges businesses face when working in the energy efficiency field firsthand. “There are barriers that have limited or excluded certain groups from partaking in this industry,” Boateng said. “The Contractor Development Pathway champions the limitless value of diversity and makes working in energy efficiency more accessible.”
Mentorship benefits both mentors and mentees in a variety of ways
After completing his Contractor Development Pathway commitments, Boateng applied to become a Peer Mentorship Program mentor. “I wanted to help other business owners navigate growth challenges,” he said. “This was a way to give back to the communities Burch Energy serves.”
Burch Energy staff working at a jobsite
Boateng was eager to share what he learned with his mentee, answer their questions and give them the leg up he wishes he had.
“My mentee didn’t have to spend months or years trying to figure out something that took our own business a long time to figure out.” – Kwasi Boateng, Burch Energy
Trade allies looking to continue the progress they made in the Contractor Development Pathway can do so by becoming a mentor. For Boateng, the experience is rewarding as he gets to “both teach and learn while building important business networks.” In addition to personal and professional fulfillment, program mentors receive compensation for their time and services.
Energy Trust is dedicated to building a strong network of trade contractors
Supporting trade allies through the Contractor Development Pathway and Peer Mentorship Program demonstrates our commitment to the goals outlined in our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Plan and our annual equity performance measures set by the Oregon Public Utility Commission. By providing technical and business development resources, we hope to attract new and support current Black-, Indigenous-, women-, veteran- and rural-owned trade ally businesses.
Participating in the Contractor Development Pathway sets trade allies up for continued success with Energy Trust. These businesses are more knowledgeable about energy-efficient equipment and better prepared to sell these types of projects to customers.
Go to our Find a Contractor page to learn about Energy Trust trade allies in your community. Start your enrollment application if you’d like to become one yourself.