Energy Trust of Oregon, in collaboration with workforce development specialists and contractor partners, is seeking mentors for trade ally participants in the Contractor Development Pathway (CDP). Trade allies play a crucial role in delivering our programs by informing customers about available funding and promoting energy-efficient upgrades like HVAC equipment and insulation. Peer Mentorship supports CDP by pairing established trade allies with new and emerging trade allies for one-on-one mentorship. Its key objectives include:

• Strengthening support for contractors from communities historically underserved by Energy Trust. This includes BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and person of color) owned, woman-owned, veteran-owned and rural contracting businesses within Energy Trust’s Home Retrofit and Existing Buildings programs.
• Fostering trade ally connection.
• Sharing business and industry knowledge.
• Equipping mentees with the tools needed to grow and develop their businesses.

Who can be a Mentor?

Established trade allies interested in enhancing their leadership skills to support new and emerging trade allies are encouraged to apply as mentors. Those who are interested should be available to provide mentorship between May and November. Mentors will receive general talking points, questions, and relevant resources to guide the mentoring conversations about specific topics. Mentors are also welcome to utilize their own materials and structure that best supports their mentees.

Mentors can leverage their team’s expertise to provide support in areas where they may not have specialized knowledge, ensuring that their staff can address topics and interests beyond the mentor’s primary focus.

The individual completing the application should be the one who intends to serve as the primary mentor. Please submit only one application per trade ally company.

Benefits of Participation for Mentors

• Opportunities to expand your professional network.
• Develop skills as a teacher, advisor, and leader.
• Business may be featured on Energy Trust’s Insider website.
• Compensation of $150 per hour or $200 per hour for bilingual mentors.
• Matching requests and preferences may be accommodated.

 Mentor Eligibility

• Mentors must be enrolled in Energy Trust’s Trade Ally Network with at least two years of experience completing Energy Trust projects and be in good standing.
• Have a strong interest in sharing information and helping others develop skills to grow their business.
• Have been in business for three or more years.
• Have completed at least two projects with Energy Trust’s incentive programs within the past five years.
• Can commit to providing mentorship between May and November.

How to Apply

Applications period is now closed.

If you need assistance filling out the application, please contact cdp@energytrust.org.