Accepting Applications for the Summer 2026 Mentorship Program Now!
About the Mentorship Program
The NEHERS Rating Field Inspector (RFI) and HERS Modeler Mentorship Program provides an apprenticeship-style pathway into the Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Industry. An RFI gathers data in the field by conducting on-site inspections and running diagnostic tests on residential buildings under construction. A Modeler takes the data gathered in the field and puts it into specialized software to create an energy model of the building.
During the program, RFI and Modeler students will:
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Participate in Online Classes and learn about basic building science, applicable math skills, home energy-efficiency, and RESNET Standards. Classes run Monday–Friday from 5-7:30pm on Microsoft Teams. RFI classes are 5 weeks total and Modeler classes are 12 weeks total.
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Gain Hands-On Experience by Job Shadowing with skilled HERS Raters and through two Field Workshops with our Technical Director, Tim Poole. RFIs and Modelers will complete 20 hours of job shadowing and will visit a site in Worcester, MA for two full-day field workshops.
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Become Career-Ready with Resume and Cover Letter Development Workshops and weekly Transition to Employment group meetings starting at the end of the first 5-7 weeks.
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Receive Personalized Support through weekly meetings with your paired Career Mentor - an experienced professional in the HERS Industry - and weekly meetings with our Success Coach, Miranda Bushey.
Program Requirements and Details:
Each cohort will start with 8 RFI and 8 Modeler seats. Modelers must pass two required exams to continue for the final 7 weeks. For more information on program requirements, read here. Candidates applying for this program will participate in a comprehensive intake and needs assessment process. If selected, the program is free for candidates thanks to grant-funding from our sponsor, MassCEC. We are excited to provide our Mentorship Program as an excellent entry point into the HERS Rating Industry!
Summer 2026 Mentorship Program - Begins Monday, June 29th, 2026
- Summer 2026 application deadline: Monday, May 4th
- First-Round Interviews: scheduled on a rolling basis.
- Second-Round Interviews: scheduled between May 26-June 5, 2026.
- Decisions emails: June 8-12, 2026.
- OSHA-10 Week: June 18-25, 2026.
- Summer 2026 Classes start: Monday, June 29th.
Schedule for 2026
View the full 2026 Calendar here. Please keep in mind that it may be updated from time to time. If you have trouble accessing it, please contact Tim at tim@nehers.org.
Eligibility Requirements
Requirements include: MA residency, 18+, (half of each cohort) live in an Environmental Justice neighborhood, U.S. work authorization, high school diploma or higher (exception with Trade School seniors), and access to a computer, WiFi, and transportation. See the full list of eligibility requirements here.
Benefits of Participation
RFIs and HERS Modeler positions are apprenticeship-style pathways that can lead to a rewarding career as a HERS Rater. The HERS Rater Credential is a gateway to a career path with many opportunities for advancement.
HERS Rater Credentials open doors to:
- Above Code Programs:
- Additional Certifications:
And more!
Our long-term goal is to build a robust and diverse ecosystem of RFIs, Modelers, HERS Raters, QA Providers, Support Staff and HERS Rating Trainers in the Northeast, so that we can deliver a wider range of trainings and meet the rising demand for HERS Ratings in a growing field that is essential to reaching the ambitious climate goals set out by the state of Massachusetts.
For inquiries regarding this mentorship program please feel free to reach out to us at info@nehers.org or call/text 978-633-3013. We are happy to assist you with any questions or support you may need regarding our programs and services.
Sponsored by Grant Funding from MassCEC
View Our DEI Statement