Cultivating the Credentialing Landscape
This spring, the IREC Credentialing Team has been on the road, spreading the word about the value and benefits of accreditation and certification for the clean energy sector. A core responsibility of a credentialing program is to make sure that relevant communities know about the credentials that are offered, understand how they can be earned, and are clear on the value that is brought to the community when these credentials are embraced.
This spring, the IREC Credentialing Team has been on the road, spreading the word about the value and benefits of accreditation and certification for the clean energy sector. A core responsibility of a credentialing program is to make sure that relevant communities know about the credentials that are offered, understand how they can be earned, and are clear on the value that is brought to the community when these credentials are embraced. Accordingly, we’ve been reaching out to communities that are affected by the credentials we offer, including individuals and groups who can leverage the value of these credentials, in support of developing a clean energy workforce.
In mid-March, we attended the National Association of Workforce Boards (NAWB) Forum to talk with local and state Workforce Investment Boards (WIBs) about the value of the IREC Training Program Accreditation as a mark of quality for their renewable energy and energy efficiency training programs. Recognizing this credential can help WIBs as they decide whether to fund student training, or if a training program should be listed on the ETPL (Eligible Training Provider List) for a state or county. The NAWB Forum marked the beginning of a relationship with WIB representatives, which IREC continues to cultivate.
In April, we headed to San Francisco for the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) National Conference. As our list of accredited training programs expands, we continue to see more and more community college programs improving their courses and adding value with the IREC credential.
Rounding out April was the Affordable Comfort Inc.’s (ACI) National Conference in Denver. The week began with a leadership summit during which IREC President and CEO Jane Weissman engaged with a panel discussing the importance of closing the divide between energy efficiency and renewable energy. The IREC booth had a steady stream of individuals and organizations interested in more information about IREC’s credentials
In an effort to broaden the recognition of IREC and the credentialing program, we also hosted a small reception for utilities, training programs, DOE, and several non-profits involved in developing the workforce for energy efficiency. Recognition of the value of the IREC credentials is expanding every day. To learn more about our program, visit our newly redesigned website.
And speaking of recognition, IREC is seeking nominations for the nation’s Best of 2013 for its new i-Awards, celebrating Innovation, Ingenuity and Inspiration in renewable energy and energy efficiency. Help us recognize the best people, projects and programs, including the first annual awards for Clean Energy Trainer of the Year and Clean Energy Training Program of the Year. Nominate those whose work has inspired you, and forward information about the i-Awards to others doing extraordinary work.
