ReTune DC

Hosted By: Emerald Cities Collaborative

English – Amharic – Chinese – French – Korean – Spanish – Vietnamese

HELP IN YOUR LANGUAGE

If you need help in your language, please call 720-984-0008 for free interpreter assistance.

የቋንቋ እርዳታ

በአማርኛ እርዳታ ከፈለጉ በ 720-984-0008 ይደውሉ። የነፃ አስተርጓሚ ይመደብልዎታል።

語言協助

如果您需要用（中文)接受幫助，請電洽 720-984-0008，將免費向您提供口譯員服務

AIDE LINGUISTIQUE

Si vous avez besoin d’aide en Français appelez-le 720-984-0008 et l’assistance d’un interprète vous sera fournie gratuitement.

언어 지원 한국어로

언어 지원이 필요하신 경우 720-984-0008 로 연락을 주시면 무료로 통역이 제공됩니다.

AYUDA EN SU IDIOMA

Si necesita ayuda en Español, por favor llame al 720-984-0008 para proporcionarle un intérprete de manera gratuita.

GIÚP ĐỠ VỀ NGÔN NGỮ

Nếu qu ý vị cần giúp đỡ về tiếng Việt, xin gọi 720-984-0008 để chúng tôi thu xếp có thông dịch viên đến giúp qu ý vị miễn phí.

ReTune DC is a FREE, five-month training series for professionals and small business owners to build knowledge, hands-on experience, and connections to career and project opportunities in building retuning.

 

Building retuning is the process of making an existing building and its energy systems operate more efficiently at low or no cost by identifying and correcting operational problems. Retuning can bring many benefits: reducing energy costs, extending service life for equipment, improving comfort for building occupants, and preventing emissions fueling the climate crisis.

 

It’s the perfect time for District residents and businesses to gain the skills needed to support thousands of buildings to save money, comply with regulations, and improve the quality of life inside and outside their facilities. Learn more and submit your application by 11:59 pm on July 29, 2026.

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Who Should Apply?

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  • Individuals at least 18 years of age with work authorization and past employment experience at the entry-level or mid-level

  • High school diploma, GED, or equivalent literacy/numeracy

  • Individuals with a problem-solving & learning mindset, professionalism, good communication & teamwork skills, and a strong interest in sustainability, building performance, and long-term career growth

Highly encouraged to apply:

  • Individuals living in Wards 5, 7, and 8

  • Individuals with basic computer literacy and technical exposure to building systems, or a willingness to learn

  • Individuals interested in work-based learning and available at least one full business day per week

  • Individuals with relevant past work and field experience (HVAC, electrical, facilities, controls, diagnostics/ troubleshooting, using digital tools, etc.) and an understanding of how building systems interact

Note: Availability, interest, and successful program completion will result in consideration for a paid 160-hour externship with one of our employer partners. Significant past experience will result in placement in an Advanced Worker pathway.

 

  • Licensed CBEs based in DC seeking to expand into new building performance services

Highly encouraged to apply:

  • Certified Business Enterprises (CBEs) headquartered in Wards 5, 7, and 8

  • Contractors with annual revenues of $250,000 or more

  • Contractors with backgrounds in HVAC/R and electrical building systems who can install, troubleshoot, and commission Building Automation Systems

  • Contractors with relevant project experience, workforce capacity, insurance coverage, bonding capacity, and growth readiness

All Applicants Must Demonstrate:

Program Benefits

Entry-Level to Mid-Level Professionals

  • Interactive classroom and hands-on training led by an experienced retuning expert

  • A personalized training and support plan

  • Cohort-based learning opportunities to support career and professional development 

  • Guidance on identifying relevant credentials, accessing study materials, and navigating certification pathways aligned with career goals

  • Opportunity to be considered for a paid externship with a leading retuning service provider in the DC area ($25/hour up to 160 hours)

  • Connections to networking opportunities, employer partners, and further training

  • Hands-on, business-relevant training tied directly to growth opportunities in building retuning and energy efficiency

  • Individualized coaching and technical assistance to address business-specific challenges and opportunities

  • Cohort-based learning environment, encouraging peer exchange and partnership

  • Insight into building performance policies, incentives, and other funding across the DMV region

  • Guidance on selecting and pursuing certification pathways aligned with business goals and employee needs

  • Connections to project opportunities, funders and agencies, potential hires, and further training

Note: Supportive services are available, such as financial support to enable program participants’ pursuit of certifications, as well as referrals to other services. Participants will have ongoing access through ECC’s network of contractors and professionals, including continued education and resources.

Program Overview

ReTune DC will provide technical training on the following areas:

  • Building Systems and Equipment
  • Energy Analysis
  • The Retuning Process
  • Local Regulations, Policy, and Environmental Justice Context

Additional workshops will provide comprehensive support for participants to meet career and business goals:

  • Safety Training & Green Building Basics
  • Pursuing Building Performance Credentials
  • Professional Development & Financial Literacy
  • Forecasting Project Opportunities
  • Developing a New Service Line for Retuning
  • Marketing: Developing Your Value Proposition as a Contractor
  • Regional Policies, Programs, and Funding Sources

Program Calendar

Program Type When Details
Orientation Week August 17 – 21, 2026 Daytime and evening meeting slots available
Classroom Training Sessions August to September • Select Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 6 pm (2-3 hours) In person • Dinner provided
Demonstration Project Site Visits September to October • Select Saturdays from 10 am – 4 pm Lunch provided
Career and Business Workshops August to November • Select Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 6 pm (1-3 hours) In person or virtual • Dinner provided
Paid Externship October to December Schedule set with employer partner / at least three business days per week
Continuing Education and Coaching October to December Daytime and evening meeting slots available
Program Graduation Week of December 14-18, 2026
Learn More
Retuning Resources
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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