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Internal Program Page
Building U (Mid-America Codes Collaborative)

This page is for the MACC project team, partners, and workgroup members and includes relevant presentations, resources and meeting recordings. It will be updated throughout the project. Visit the external project page at building-u.org.

General Program Info. and Resources SharePoint Community Engagement Workgroup Curriculum Workgroup Jobs Pipeline Workgroup Program FAQ Newsletter Our Partners

General Program Information

The below includes technical and federal grant terms.

Objectives
  1. Connect emerging professionals to training in energy efficiency careers.
  2. Support better buildings (healthier for occupants; less energy-intensive for owner/managers; more durable in power outages and extreme weather) through technical training and impactful education.
  3. Foster long-term success of workforce development through partnerships.
Target Audiences and Desired Actions

Primary Audience: Job seekers who are unemployed, underemployed, and/or looking for a career change in disadvantaged communities (urban and rural) across Kansas and Missouri.
Desired Action: Enroll in the workforce development program. 

Secondary Audience: 

  • Large and small businesses, local governments, and agencies: Equip program participants with essential skills and knowledge while providing real-world experience and opportunities for future employment. 
  • Architectural, engineering, and construction professionals not interested in switching careers: Enroll in professional continuing education courses offered through the program.
  • Policymakers: Assist with program outreach and enact policies to fund similar efforts in the future and build more career pathways. 
Planned Outcomes
  1. Build a workforce of energy-efficiency-related vocations in disadvantaged communities across Kansas and Missouri.
    • Once participants are recruited and enrolled in the program, they will undergo accelerated training from accredited community colleges and building performance professionals, and after completion, funneled into apprenticeship programs or on-the-job training.
    • Successful completion of training and/or apprenticeships should result in participants applying for and securing employment in fair wage jobs from local employers or starting their own businesses offering energy-efficiency-related services. 
    • While the program is providing the training for specific jobs (HERS® and HVAC Commissioning professions), the knowledge and skills program participants gain will equip them for a variety of career pathways. 
  2. Provide continuing education for current industry professionals regarding energy codes and building performance with the goal to raise awareness on how improved building performance can enhance job performance, project outcomes, and overall industry impact. 
Project Specific Information and Resources
Industry Resources

Tool Kit

Community Engagement Workgroup

Members include leadership from Justice40 communities who will ensure potential students are aware of opportunities within the industry and of the program itself; while also ensuring the program is meeting the needs of the communities within the project regions. They will report observed needs to other workgroups and Project Advisory Committee. Workgroup Lead: Jacob Moore, MEC

Curriculum Workgroup

Members include subcontractors who will teach and/or recruit students into the program. Their work will encompass finalizing courses for commercial technical vocational training and business curriculum needs, monitoring their effectiveness, and making course corrections throughout the project term. Workgroup Lead: Michelle Thorsell, MEEA

Jobs Pipeline Workgroup

Members include professionals from the private construction industry, municipal code inspectors, and workforce agency partners who will ensure the program is tracking with the needs of the job market and public sector. They will inform the Curriculum Workgroup of additional vocational training needs and the project team of communication gaps for effective marketing to jobs pipeline stakeholders. Workgroup Lead: Mary English, MEC

Program Frequently Asked Questions

Stay tuned for an image/map displaying the below:

  • Kansas City Metro (including Kansas and Missouri)
  • Rural Kansas (including Dodge City, Topeka, and Wichita)
  • Northwest Missouri (including St. Joseph)
  • Northeast Missouri (including Hannibal)
  • Central Missouri (including Jeff City, Sedalia, and Columbia)
  • Southwest Missouri (including Joplin, Springfield, and Branson)
  • Southeast Missouri (including Cape Girardeau)
  • St. Louis Metro