How Does the Program Work?
Potential trainees are identified through partnerships with local employment service providers. These job seekers must live in the south-west coastal corridor of the Perth metropolitan area. If eligible, job seekers will complete specifically developed training in Energy and Carbon Management and Retrofit Skills, before commencing employment with the project as energy auditors. This training is provided by Greenskills, a not-for-profit organisation that has been delivering training in energy, sustainability and land management since 1989.
When job seekers successfully complete the training and their time at WACOSS, they will receive the Home Sustainability Assessor accreditation and have gained experience and skills in auditing Small to Medium Enterprises. It is expected over 48 job seekers will be recruited, trained and employed in this project.
These auditors form a pool that is accessible, upon application, by community services who wish to undergo energy audits and minor retrofits to reduce their energy consumption.
700 energy and greenhouse gas audits will be completed as part of this project, with 400 minor ($1000) and 4 major ($25 000) retrofits to be conducted on eligible community services.
Retrofits range from installing energy efficient light globes, weatherproofing, insulation and appliance timers to the installation of photovoltaic systems.