FTCC and FSU are partnering with the U.S. Department of Energy to train the energy efficiency professionals our region needs—starting now.
Fayetteville Technical Community College and Fayetteville State University have launched the Building Training and Assessment Center, a hands-on workforce training initiative funded by a $900,000 U.S. Department of Energy grant, covering tuition costs entirely for students, meaning qualified students can gain new certifications and skills at no cost to them.
The timing couldn't be better. Southeastern North Carolina is seeing over $400 million in state-funded construction and renovation coming to Cumberland County, including $160 million on the FSU campus. Fort Bragg, the largest military installation in the United States, has federal energy audit mandates covering millions of square feet of building space, and Cumberland County Schools is actively working to reduce energy costs across more than 90 buildings. Meanwhile, less than 1% of commercial buildings in the county are ENERGY STAR certified. For trained workers, that's not a statistic—it's a market. The demand for energy-efficient construction and energy assessment expertise has never been greater. And BTAC exists to train the workforce to meet it.
Training Details
Each BTAC course runs 120 hours (approximately 2–3 months) and leads to Department of Energy industry-recognized certifications. Four courses are available:
• HVAC/R: Heat pumps, EPA Universal certification, smart thermostat systems
• Electrical: LED lighting, sensors, smart controls, low-voltage applications
• Carpentry: Energy audits, insulation, window installation, energy-efficient construction
• Solar Energy: Photovoltaic technology, inverters, commercial solar systems
Construction and renovation firms across our region and throughout the North Carolina area are actively seeking workers who can identify and implement energy savings strategies. This training positions you directly for those roles. And with certifications in hand, you become a more competitive candidate the moment you complete the program.
The BTAC isn’t just a training program. It’s a community investment. FSU brings academic depth and workforce connections. FTCC brings hands-on facilities, continuing education expertise, and industry understanding. Fayetteville Public Works Commission adds utility-sector partnerships and the capacity to conduct real energy assessments for local businesses and institutions. Together, these three organizations are building a pipeline of skilled workers for a region that desperately needs them.
Spring & Summer 2026 Schedule
• HVAC/R | April 13 – May 8 | Mon–Fri, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Electrical | May 11 – July 1 | Mon–Thu, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
• Carpentry | June 2 – July 23 | Mon–Thu, 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
• Electrical | Aug 10 – Sept 30 | Mon–Thu, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Classes are scheduled evenings and weekdays to accommodate working adults. Pre-registration is required.
Who Should Apply
The BTAC welcomes construction, HVAC, electrical, and solar professionals looking to expand their skills; career changers entering the green economy; veterans and military-affiliated individuals seeking civilian career pathways; and anyone motivated to earn an industry certification in under three months.
DOE grant funding covers tuition. Space is limited—pre-register today. For more information, visit faytechcc.edu/btac-grant or call 910-678-8494.