Grants will expand access to training on heat pump technology for both new and existing HVAC technicians across the state

Statewide - Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026 - The Colorado Energy Office (CEO) announced $1 million in grant awards through the Training for Residential Energy Contractors (TREC) grant program Tuesday to support heat pump technology training programs for new and existing HVAC technicians in Colorado. This program, which is funded through the federal Inflation Reduction Act, will help develop Colorado's workforce in this key area in communities across the state, including in locations without access to such job training opportunities or without a qualified HVAC workforce. CEO expects this program will support training and upskilling for an estimated 400 HVAC technicians.

"Helping Coloradans reduce their heating and cooling bills starts with a strong energy workforce. I am excited to be expanding training opportunities for HVAC technicians to help connect more Coloradans with good paying jobs, increase our clean energy industry capacity, and save Coloradans more money on energy bills," said Governor Polis.

Building heating is among the leading sources of greenhouse gas emissions in Colorado, and the widespread adoption of high efficiency electric heat pumps for building heating and cooling is an essential strategy to achieve net-zero emissions in Colorado by 2050. HVAC technicians with training in heat pump technology are considered a "climate critical" occupation, which are occupations with the largest gaps between projected growth and the expected demand to achieve the state's climate goals.

"Heat pumps are a proven technology offering Coloradans an energy efficient way to heat and cool their homes while improving home comfort and safety and reducing pollution," said CEO Executive Director Will Toor. "A qualified workforce across the state is essential to ensure all Coloradans can take advantage of the robust incentives that are currently available to save money on heat pumps. This program will improve access to key job training opportunities, helping bring skilled HVAC professionals to more Colorado communities."

This funding was available to community colleges, technical schools, and other nonprofit and private training providers to develop and expand heat pump technology training programs that train new entrants into the HVAC workforce or "upskill" the existing workforce. CEO prioritized projects serving rural and resort communities, as well as those addressing other access barriers for learners such as through scholarships, job placement support, bilingual education, and wraparound services. These programs are expected to become available to trainees later this year.

CEO awarded the following projects:

• Colorado Mesa University Tech ($223,342) will expand its existing HVAC technical certificate program to offer a "Heat Pump Employment Ready" certification program with a mobile learning lab that will bring training opportunities to participants across the western slope.

• Red Rocks Community College (RRCC) ($259,482) will expand its existing HVAC training program to offer a National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) Heat Pump Installer certification. RRCC will also use funds to offer bilingual (English and Spanish) instruction, provide scholarship opportunities, and purchase heat-pump training equipment for a hands-on learning experience.

• Blue Sky Training LLC ($259,213) will offer upskilling training to the existing residential energy workforce in southern and western Colorado, including a course on heat pumps for manufactured homes. Blue Sky will offer these training opportunities in various rural locations across the state using its hands-on mobile learning lab, and will use funds for equipment, curriculum development, scholarships, recruitment, and more.

• Aurora Public Schools - Pickens Technical College ($257,346) will expand its HVAC program to upskill the existing HVAC workforce by offering certification exams and exam preparation via a hands-on mobile learning lab that will travel to rural communities in eastern Colorado.

See the TREC Project Descriptions for a full summary of the awarded projects. TREC funding supports Colorado's work to reduce pollution from the state's building sector and will help ensure the success of programs such as the Colorado Home Energy Rebate program, which saves Coloradans money on installing heat pumps, electric appliances, and other energy efficiency improvements.

This program is part of Colorado's larger efforts to develop the climate workforce, which also includes a Registered Apprenticeship through the Weatherization Assistance Program, a Climate Workforce Development Analysis & Plan, and a Zero Emissions Vehicle Workforce Development group.

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