Energy Management Technician: BECA

Energy Management Technician: Western States Building Energy & Controls Apprenticeship (BECA) Program

The Lane Community College Commercial Building Energy Management and Building Automation Systems (BAS) Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree program and the University of Oregon Energy Studies in Buildings Laboratory (ESBL) are launching an innovative (yet traditional) Department of Labor (DOL) Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) titled the Western States Building Energy & Controls Apprenticeship (BECA) Program. The program will focus on commercial building energy management and building automation systems. The overarching goal is to increase throughput of highly qualified building energy efficiency and BAS graduates in the Western US, who will be prepared to identify and implement energy-saving measures, including controls, in commercial buildings.

BECA is comprised of three components:

  • Related Training. Related training is classroom instruction, which will consist of the full Lane Community College Energy Management/Controls 2-year degree program.
  • On-The-Job (OJT) training. The BECA will require 2000 hours of OJT. OJT can begin during the summer between the first and second year of the related training program. OJT is a paid position and is paid for by the Training Agent (employer). There are 4 advancement periods of 500 hours each where the apprentice will advance until 2000 hours are completed. Advancement includes an increase in compensation of 10% beginning at 60% of regional practitioner average compensation, which is identified by an annual survey of training agents.
  • Recommended Comprehensive cumulative exam. The exam is Association of Energy Engineer Certified Energy Manager ANSI 17024 Accredited exam.

In this program, you can pursue a degree or pursue the apprenticeship program. 

What will you learn in the Energy Management Technician: BECA program?

Through our online classes, you’ll learn to:

  • Use typical control system management software to evaluate energy use patterns for residential and commercial buildings.
  • Analyze a variety of commercial HVAC and lighting systems from a controls perspective.
  • Diagnose and troubleshoot existing control systems.
  • Learn modules and electronics commonly used to implement building automation.
  • Develop and evaluate trends based on collected building data.
  • Recommend energy efficiency and alternative control solutions for high energy consuming buildings.
  • Understand the interactions between energy consuming building systems and then implement control changes based on that understanding.

You’ll be prepared to write control schemes and evaluate control systems, identify controls-based energy-efficiency projects, and implement solutions for energy-related controls issues in a variety of buildings and facilities. Our rigorous online courses are designed to fit into your current schedule. You will also experience hands-on training at one of our partnering organizations that will show you how to apply your newfound knowledge in the real world.

Applying to the Energy Management Technician: BECA program

Apply to the program using the online form.

Apply to the program

What can you do next?

Through local, regional, and national networking opportunities, our participants meet employers directly. Our graduates work in a wide variety of energy-related disciplines and are employed by engineering firms, public and private utilities, energy equipment companies, controls contractors, lighting companies, departments of energy, and a multitude of others. Our alumni are well prepared for careers in positions like building operators, control system specialists/technicians, weatherization program managers and installers, energy auditors, energy resource managers , and more! 

Graduates will earn $45,000 - $65,000 annually while helping to create a positive change within the built environment. The Energy Management program is actively working with the Association of Controls Professionals (ACP) to help to increase graduate employability and therefore, earning potential.

If you are interested in pursuing a bachelor's degree in energy management, Lane has articulation agreements with Bismarck State College (fully online), South Seattle College (fully online), and Cascadia College. Want to learn more about your options? Contact Roger Ebbage at ebbager@lanecc.edu or 541-463-3670.

Attending classes at Lane

Lane’s main campus is tucked into the foothills of the Oregon Cascades, providing a stunning landscape for your education. With incredible resources on campus like advising, tutoring services, the library, and so many more, you have the opportunity to make the most out of your degree. Lane also offers student housing at Titan Court in downtown Eugene, next to our Mary Spilde Center. Ready to learn more? Schedule a campus tour to explore our beautiful campus and amazing facilities.

Timeline

2 year full time students for the AAS. Apprenticeship Option includes:On-The-Job (OJT) training. The BECA will require 2000 hours of OJT. OJT can begin during the summer between the first and second year of the related training program

Cost

All of our core classes are online. Lane recently allowed all online classes to have the same tuition as residents. So no matter where you reside your tuition will be the same as resident students.

Estimated Cost: 13,276

  • Program-Specific Fees - $1,000
  • General Student Fees - $12,276