Additionally, as part of this workforce education grant, company training experts will lend their expertise throughout the year to CET students by providing in-person and online training to further advance their knowledge and allow them to be prepared for conversions to energy-efficient heat-pump technology, Bradford White said.

“At Bradford White, we are committed to partnering with organizations that are strengthening our communities and supporting the workforce of the future by helping to create a skilled-trades talent pipeline right here in the United States,” said Rebecca Owens, senior manager of communications for Bradford White. “Through Industry Forward, we are providing these heat-pump water heaters and offering CET students new opportunities to gain critical skills in heat-pump technology and increase their knowledge through hands-on, real-world learning so they are prepared to compete for good-paying jobs.”

This grant will allow CET to expand its training program capacity as it grows programs in high-demand, high-paying careers to provide economic advancement opportunities to populations that have been marginalized, the press release said.

“Thanks to the generosity of Bradford White, we can offer essential training in heat-pump technology, which offers incredible promise in the energy efficiency arena,” said Senobio Aguilera, instructional resource coordinator and a trainer with CET. “This donation will empower our students to acquire key skills using the latest industry-relevant equipment and enhance their competitiveness in the workforce upon graduation.”

The heat pumps will be placed at nine of CET’s schools in California. At those sites, students learn safety, basic electricity, plumbing/HVAC maintenance and repair, and more.