The first Weatherization Skillshops have been scheduled for Saturday, February 13, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm at the Windham Regional Career Center. The Weatherization Skillshop is a statewide educational program created by the Central Vermont Community Action Council and funded through Vermont's Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, with the goal of helping Vermonters understand how to improve energy efficiency in their homes, and to give homeowners the skills they need to take on simple home weatherization projects.

"We need to bridge the gap between low-income weatherization and full-service energy renovation contracting,” said Dave Rubin, CVCAC's Director of Workforce Development. “There are a lot of Vermonters who are committed to working on their homes themselves, and we want them to make these improvements with the knowledge they need to do a safe, smart job."

“Our center has been offering a variety of weatherization trainings for the past two years in partnership with Brattleboro Climate Protection and we’re very excited to be able to host these essential trainings for homeowners in our region” said Betsy Gentile, Workforce Development Manager at the Windham Regional Career Center.

Skillshop participants receive instruction from a certified building performance contractor. There are two sessions being offered: Attics and Air-Sealing at 9:00 am, and Windows & Doors at 1:00 pm.. Cost for the Skillshops is $100 each, or $150 and a catered lunch for those attending both sessions. Tuition includes professional tools, reference materials, safety gear, a $150 certificate from Efficiency Vermont to put towards an energy audit, and a copy of The Home Energy Diet: How to Save Money by Making Your House Energy-Smart by Paul Scheckel. They will also receive appropriate tools and materials for their workshop.

To register or for more information visit the Weatherization Skillshop website, at www.weatherizationskillshop.com, or call (888) 514-2151.