Workforce Strategy Helps with Recruitment and Retention in Kentucky

About the Project   

For years, Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) agencies in Kentucky struggled with worker and contractor recruitment and retention. The Kentucky WAP developed strategies to address statewide shortages in contractors, Energy Auditors, and Quality Control Inspectors.   

Challenge      

For several years, Kentucky WAP agencies have struggled with shortages in Energy Auditors, Quality Control Inspectors, and plumbing and HVAC contractors. This need was exacerbated by first the COVID-19 pandemic, then a series of natural disasters in 2021 and 2022.

Solution     

The Kentucky Housing Corporation (the state WAP agency) developed a multi-pronged workforce strategy based on data from the National Association for State Community Service Program’s wage survey. Their strategy included establishing a statewide minimum wage for each position in WAP, incorporating incentives such as sign-on bonuses for new staff and 5-year retention bonuses, and using National Association for State Community Service Programs Career Path flyers to support outreach to potential new workers. 

Positive Impact       

The creation of minimum wages and bonuses is new, and the state WAP agency does not yet have outcomes to share. The state is planning to work with its Subgrantees to track staff and contractor retention rates for future improvements. These conversations also helped drive new partnerships and coordination with other funding sources such as the Affordable Housing Trust Fund Home Repair and U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development.

This story was developed using content from a U.S. Department of Energy-facilitated session: “Innovative Weatherization Projects and Pilots,” at the National Home Performance Conference in April 2023.