HERS Rater Apprenticeship Program
The HERS Rater Apprenticeship Program is a 16-month workforce development initiative designed to prepare internationally trained professionals for careers in home energy efficiency and building performance. The goal of this program is to increase access to clean energy careers for underrepresented and internationally trained professionals.
This program is mainly targeting internationally trained professionals with backgrounds in engineering, building science, energy modeling, and quality assurance.
What is a HERS Rater?
HERS Raters perform energy modeling based on building design plans and conduct required third-party inspections and testing throughout construction to assess performance against energy codes and thresholds. These tasks include documenting insulation, air sealing, thermal bridging, ventilation, and executing diagnostic tests such as blower-door and duct leakage evaluations. In addition to satisfying standard building inspection sign-offs, these energy performance verifications are essential for compliance with energy efficiency standards.
What’s Included in the Apprenticeship Program
U.S. Workplace Readiness & Project Management Trainings
Includes U.S. workplace
norms, safety, soft skills, and more.
RFI Training & HERS Rater Training
Includes clean energy construction preparation, building science, and certification preparation.
12 months of paid, on-the-job training
Paid worksite placement and
mentorship from professionals in the industry.
Continued career development support
Ongoing support from ABN’s team of volunteer career advisors and staff.
Apprenticeship Program Timeline
Individuals must complete or be actively enrolled in ABN’s Skilled Immigrant Certification Program in order to be eligible for the HERS Rater Apprenticeship Program. The Skilled Immigrant Certification Program teaches necessary career development skills, such as building a US standard resume, cover letter, and LinkedIn profile, learning interview preparation skills, and more. Participants also receive free US Workplace Readiness Training and Project Management Training. Completion of both trainings is a necessary component of the pre-apprenticeship. Learn more and apply for the Certification Program here: africanbn.org/career.
Participants will be screened by ABN and NEHERS staff members to determine their eligibility for the program.
Accepted candidates will move into the RFI Training. This is a hybrid, six-week training administered by Northeast Home Energy Rating System Alliance (NEHERS). Learn more about this training here: nehers.org/mentorship.
After completion of the RFI Training, participants will receive job placement with one of our employer partners. During the one-year job placement, participants will get hands-on training to help them prepare for the HERS Rater Training.
During the participant’s work placement, they will take their HERS Rater Training with Northeast Home Energy Rating System Alliance (NEHERS). Learn more about this training here: nehers.org/about-hers-raters.
Throughout the duration of this program, participants can receive ongoing career development support from ABN’s staff of career advisors.
Apprenticeship Program Requirements
In order to be eligible for this program, you must meet the following requirements:
Learn More & Apply
Interested individuals can apply for this program HERE. Applications are due by Friday, October 9th, 2026.
View a recording of our information session HERE to learn more about this program. Further questions can be directed to Maddy Crudele, Career Development Program Specialist, at maddy@africanbn.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
HERS Raters perform energy modeling based on building design plans and conduct required third-party inspections and testing throughout construction to assess performance against energy codes and thresholds. These tasks include documenting insulation, air sealing, thermal bridging, ventilation, and executing diagnostic tests such as blower-door and duct leakage evaluations. In addition to satisfying standard building inspection sign-offs, these energy performance verifications are essential for compliance with energy efficiency standards.
This program is 16 months long. This includes four months of training as part of the pre-apprenticeship, and 12 months of work placement.
This program is mainly targeting internationally trained professionals with backgrounds in construction, engineering, building science, energy modeling, and quality assurance. Prior related experience is preferred, but not required. If you do not have experience in one of these areas, you are still welcome to apply.
The Skilled Immigrant Certification Program is the pre-apprenticeship. By completing this program first, you gain crucial career development skills. By completing this program, candidates also show that they are committed to their career development, ensuring we can confidently place them with employers.
You can learn about what the RFI and HERS Rater trainings include here: RFI Mentorship Program & About HERS Raters.
HERS Raters perform physically demanding work. Some examples include: being able to climb ladders up to ten feet, carrying up to 40 pounds of equipment up stairs, and standing for long periods of time.
Apply Now
Our Partners
Thank you to our training and employer partners who have made this program possible.
We envision a day when the skills of immigrant professionals are highly valued and they can use their past experiences to build their careers, support their families, and make meaningful contributions to our society.
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