WCEA Courses
Willdan Clean Energy Academy (WCEA) is a training and education program that aims to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to work in the clean energy field. It offers a variety of courses and certifications, such as building energy modeling, energy auditing, and energy management. The WCEA provides a pathway to enter the clean energy industry and help existing professionals advance their careers. The WCEA is a flexible program which can be tailored to meet the specific needs of different organizations, such as utilities, municipalities, and businesses.
The WCEA began teaching courses in 2020, providing training to contractors in the industry, unemployed individuals, disadvantaged communities, and utility and Willdan staff members. WCEA supports a diverse workforce and collaborates with community-based organizations and workforce centers to support energy efficiency workforce development.
Workforce courses are 30-60 hours, Professional Development courses are streamlined versions of these designed with busy professionals in mind. Most courses are held virtually via Zoom meeting.
Willdan is a national leader in energy, engineering, and software consulting. We transition communities to clean energy and a sustainable future.
HVAC Systems
Hours:
6 classes for 18 hours
Certification:
EPA 608
This class is for anyone working on Heating, Ventilation and AirConditioning (HVAC) systems, particularly those working in the field. This course will provide an overview of HVAC principles, systems, components, controls, auditing process, and energy conservation measures. This is blends technical training on energy efficiency and building performance for small commercial facilities with broader green business training related to energy efficiency contracting, economic incentives, market drivers, certifications, institutions, policies, and regulations.
Lighting Systems
Hours:
6 classes for 18 hours
Certification:
NALMCO Certified Apprentice Lighting Technician (CALT)
The Lighting (CALT) course is designed to provide high-quality and standardized technical lighting auditing training to staff working in lighting programs and meets the dual objective of preparing participants to successfully pass the NALMCO Certified Apprentice Lighting Technician (CALT) certification exam, and to equip them to be more knowledgeable and effective auditors, inspectors, engineers, incentive administrators, and project coordinators working in the field of clean energy. The technical Lighting Principles, Systems and Energy Conservation portions of the course are based on various nationally recognized certifications, the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE), and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), this allows individuals completing the course to have a better fundamental understanding of lighting.
ELECTRICAL COURSES
Building Envelope
Hours:
6 classes for 18 hours
Certification:
BPI Building Science Principles (BSP)
The course covers a range of topics including building science, weatherization and energy efficiency of thermal systems within buildings, and building envelope systems. Students will learn how to conduct energy assessments, diagnose building performance issues, and make recommendations for energy upgrades. They will also learn about energy codes and standards, combustion safety, and indoor air quality. We will also study the different building materials used in building envelopes and discuss their pros and cons. This will include understanding the importance of air and water penetration resistance, thermal performance, and fire safety.
Heating Systems
Hours:
6 classes for 18 hours
Certification:
BPI Building Science Principles (BSP)
This course includes both Heating and Domestic Hot Water (DHW) information and is designed to provide high-quality technical training on different types of systems used in commercial and residential buildings. Course objectives are to help you understand the needs and concerns of small commercial business operators; improve the ability to recognize benefits, both energy and non-energy, of energy reduction measures in small commercial facilities; broaden the appreciation of technology opportunities available in small commercial facilities; and enable participants to learn to play a strengthened role in identifying and supporting cost-effective technology applications. All of our Heating Systems Courses are directly aligned with the Building Performance Institute’s (BPI’s) certification requirements.
THERMAL COURSES
Transportation Electrification
Hours:
3 classes for 9 hours
Billions of dollars in funding from state and federal sources are being allocated to develop the infrastructure required for the installation of electric vehicle (EV) charging equipment. This course is held as 3 modules which can be taken separately or consecutively:
◾ Transportation Electrification Basics provides a review of wheel-to-well efficiency and emissions, lithium-ion battery technologies, and different electric vehicle classes.
◾ Charging Equipment Site Feasibility covers real-world applications of EV infrastructure and teaches how to assess project feasibility and success.
◾ Installation and Managed Charging reviews all the different aspects involved with an Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment (EVCE ) installation, including siting, hardware, software, construction, and technical information on different types of lithium-ion battery chemistry. Students will review different variables to keep in mind when considering sites for charging station installation.
Clean Heat & Heat Pump
Hours:
9 classes for 9 hours
This course will train participants to be able to identify energy systems, including: HVAC-R and Heat Pump Systems, specifically the system types and components, efficiency ratings, and conservation measures; to be familiar with energy efficiency strategies:including improved controls, operations and maintenance, retro commissioning, retrofits & upgrades, and reduced consumption. To understand BPI-AC & Heat Pumps standards. Be familiar with the industry-standard energy auditing and building performance analysis process: including building inspection data collection & input equipment diagnostics, equipment use, cost and efficiency calculations audit report generation.
ELECTRIFICATION COURSES
Project Management
Hours:
9 classes for 9 hours
The project management course is intended to improve staff knowledge and application of project management principles, increase staff efficiency, and cultivate greater staff retention by offering more opportunities for upward mobility. This course will cover initiating, planning, executing, controlling, and closing the work of a team to successfully achieve project goals. The course promotes uniformity of all staff working under the same metrics for project management. This training shows ways to balance competing demands (scope, time, cost, quality, requirements, expectation of various stakeholders, etc.) throughout the project lifecycle.
Standards & Codes
Hours:
9 classes for 9 hours
The Standards and Codes course prepares professionals to comply with requirements and create more energy-efficient buildings. Standards and codes establish minimum acceptable levels of safety, quality, and reliability in construction of buildings, but also repair, replacement and retrofitting of equipment used in different types of structures. The course will provide critical knowledge on changes and best practices to avoid objections and interrupted projects. Understanding the codes and standards at the industry and government level will allow you to better understand the expectations of both.
Energy Benchmarking & Billing Analysis
Hours:
9 classes for 9 hours
This course provides participants with the knowledge and skills required to perform energy utility billing and analysis. This course also includes an in-depth exploration of energy benchmarking, focusing on advanced techniques and methodologies. Participants will learn how to effectively work with energy utility data, manipulate it in Excel, and analyze it to identify patterns, trends, and anomalies. The course will cover various techniques and tools for data cleaning, visualization, and reporting, enabling participants to gain valuable insights for energy management and cost optimization. Through a combination of lectures, case studies, and hands-on exercises, participants will gain the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively analyze energy utility bills and identify opportunities for improvement.