Empowering a Sustainable Future: Massachusetts Secretary of Labor Joins Forge for Hands-On Heat Pump Training

Forge recently welcomed Lauren Jones, the Massachusetts Secretary of Labor & Workforce Development, to our workshop. She joined us to film an episode of her series, “On the Job”. The episode focused on a high-demand skill: installing heat pumps. These HVAC systems are essential to Massachusetts’ efforts to promote efficient and sustainable heating and cooling solutions and they provide a promising career path for a new generation of skilled trades workers.

In Massachusetts, heat pumps are a game-changer on the path to greater energy efficiency. Unlike traditional heating systems that rely on fossil fuels like oil and propane, heat pumps use electricity to transfer heat instead of generating it from scratch. This makes them an eco-friendly option for both heating and cooling. With Massachusetts leading the charge toward renewable energy, the demand for skilled workers to install heat pumps is on the rise.

Lauren’s visit wasn’t just about learning the benefits of heat pumps — it was an opportunity for hands-on experience. Working alongside Christof Franzsen, Forge’s Head of Quality, and Miles Coe, a Forge Apprenticeship Program graduatet, Lauren went through the entire heat pump installation process — from wiring and placement to ensuring optimal airflow.

At Forge, we’re committed to equipping Massachusetts’ workers with the skills needed for a sustainable future. Heat pump installation is more than just a technical skill — it’s a pathway to meaningful employment in the booming field of sustainable energy. As Massachusetts continues to incentivize sustainable energy solutions, there is a pressing need for trained technicians to support this shift. By offering hands-on training in heat pump installation, Forge is helping meet this demand, preparing workers for in-demand roles and fostering a workforce equipped to handle the challenges of an ever-evolving energy landscape. 

Forge was the recipient of the Donnelly Workforce Success Grant for Expanded Training Capacity & Employment Program Performance in 2024. This grant provides support for employment programs that provide job training, placement, and retention services to unemployed and underemployed Massachusetts residents.

Lauren’s enthusiasm emphasized the State’s commitment to advancing workforce development in heat pump and sustainable HVAC technologies. Her visit helped highlight the importance of training programs like Forge’s, which provide the skills necessary for workers to succeed. It’s a reminder of the impact that partnerships between industry leaders and government can have on creating a workforce ready for tomorrow’s challenges.

Stay tuned for the upcoming episode of “On the Job” to see Lauren’s journey with us at Forge, where she dives into the details of heat pump installation! We’re proud to be part of Massachusetts’ vision for a sustainable future, and we’re excited to continue empowering individuals with the skills they need for a greener tomorrow.