CA-Training for Residential Energy Contractors (CA-TREC) Group 3: New and Expanding

The CA-Training for Residential Energy Contractors (CA-TREC) Group 3: New and Expanding project is a forecast initiative by the California Energy Commission aimed at expanding contractor training capacity within underserved California communities. The primary objective is to upgrade Joint Apprentice Training Committee facilities across six locations with modern residential heat-pump equipment and advanced tools for refrigerant charging, capture, and leak detection. By providing updated curriculum and hands-on equipment, the project seeks to create high-road training pathways that enable technicians to advance into residential contractor roles, thereby increasing the number of qualified professionals capable of performing safe, efficient, and code-compliant installations. This initiative is designed to strengthen local economies by fostering small business opportunities and improving homeowner access to high-quality energy services. Administratively, the project is managed by the Western States Council of SMART and has been issued a Notice of Exemption under the California Environmental Quality Act, as the upgrades involve minor alterations and equipment replacements with negligible environmental impact. The project falls under NAICS code 611513 and is coordinated through the California Energy Commission, with primary oversight provided by Energy Commission Specialist II Amber Beck and Project Manager Jeremy Zeedyk.