California Training for Residential Energy Contractors (CA-TREC)

The California Energy Commission (CEC) is administering a grant program under the California Training for Residential Energy Contractors (CA-TREC) initiative, supported by federal funding from the Inflation Reduction Act Residential Energy Rebate Programs. CA-TREC is designed to support the growth of California’s residential energy efficiency workforce through training programs focused on whole-home electrification and energy-efficient technologies. With up to $9,289,757 available, the program targets long-term market transformation by reducing the cost of training, offering testing and certification support, and developing partnerships to deliver accessible and high-quality workforce development programs. The CA-TREC grant funds are segmented into three project groups: Pre-Apprenticeship & Apprenticeship, Workforce Enablement, and New and Expanding Contractor Training. Each group supports different training modalities—from scholarships for trainees and stipends for workforce entry barriers, to the development of mobile training units and specialized HVAC equipment handling certifications. Training programs must include instruction in the installation and maintenance of residential efficiency technologies, such as heat pumps and water heaters, and are encouraged to include refrigerant recovery education aligned with environmental regulations. Applicants are eligible from a broad range of sectors, including state and local governments, educational institutions, for-profit and nonprofit organizations, and California Native American tribes and tribal organizations. All applicants must operate an established training program with demonstrated experience, and submit a full application through the CEC’s Energy Commission Agreement Management System (ECAMS) portal by 11:59 p.m. on December 22, 2025. A pre-application workshop will be held virtually on November 19, 2025, and written questions must be submitted by November 20, 2025. Applicants must submit various documents including a project narrative, team information, scope of work, project schedule, budget, CEQA compliance form, and letters of support and commitment. Match funding covering 100% of administrative costs is required, and additional optional match funds can enhance competitiveness. Grant funding will be disbursed in two tranches: 45% initially, with the remaining amount contingent on DOE approval of performance evaluations and amendment to the agreement. Proposals will be scored based on team qualifications, community focus, program implementation, and budget justification, with minimum thresholds required in each area to qualify for funding. Awards will be announced in February 2026, agreements finalized in June, and project work beginning in July 2026. Projects must conclude by July 31, 2028. This program is anticipated to recur annually, forming a key component of California’s broader strategy for clean energy transition and equitable workforce development.

Align certifications with DOE-recognized standards; ensure match letters are precise and unqualified; clearly differentiate tranche tasks in narrative.