Entegrity, state-supported alliance form 1st green building apprenticeship

Arkansas Apprenticeship Alliance and Entegrity Energy Partners launched the first U.S. apprenticeship in the emerging green building industry, according to a Wednesday (Nov. 29) news release. The apprenticeship is expected to help Arkansas talent achieve their LEED Green Associate credential.

With support from the Arkansas Advanced Energy Foundation, Arkansas Apprenticeship Alliance tailored the apprenticeship to meet Entegrity’s growth needs in the green building industry. Entegrity is a Little Rock-based energy efficiency and solar company. The Arkansas Apprenticeship Alliance helps organizations in emerging industries, such as energy, manufacturing, broadband and transportation, to establish apprenticeships to find, train and retain talent. Formed in August, the alliance is led by the Arkansas Center for Data Sciences (ACDS) and the Arkansas Office of Skills Development.

“Since its founding over four years ago, ACDS has helped 130 organizations discover success through the supplemental staffing strategy of registered apprenticeships,” said ACDS Apprenticeship Director Lonnie Emard. “Now, through the Arkansas Apprenticeship Alliance, we have the opportunity to offer that same success to the energy sector and others. We look forward to helping Entegrity solve their talent challenges.”

According to the release, Arkansas has been a leader in the green building industry and is one of the first states to have a U.S. Green Building Council Chapter. As the industry grows, the titles, responsibilities and strategies for the roles differ among companies in the industry. The new apprenticeship model establishes standards, national recognition, training reimbursements and state tax credits.

The U.S. Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship is for a technical content professional, the release shows. The one-year apprenticeship includes 144 hours of classroom training, including Microsoft Excel and test preparation for the LEED Green Associate credential, and on-the-job training that includes LEED credit tracking for construction projects, project template development and experience working for a consulting and development company.

Entegrity’s sustainability coordinator will pilot the apprenticeship. That role is still being developed.

“We are excited to be developing this apprenticeship model to help support the continued growth of our newest team members at Entegrity,” said Meredith Hendricks, vice president of sustainability at Entegrity. “Hopefully this model will be able to be replicated at other companies.”