With more residents eager to tighten up their homes, the Maine State Housing Authority and the Maine Department of Labor are teaming up to offer training to people interested in becoming certified insulation installers.

"With the energy cost crisis facing us this winter, many more Maine families want to take action to make their homes more energy efficient," said Dale McCormick, the housing authority's director. "Insulation contractors are feeling the crunch because there are not enough certified insulation installers to meet the demand."

The course will be held September 23-24, mainly at the labor department's career center in Augusta; satellite sites are at the Portland and Bangor career centers. The first part of the course will focus on insulation and basic weatherization techniques, followed by OSHA-10 safety certification training. On completion, trainees will receive an industry recognized certifications.

Space for the $200 training is limited. The registration deadline is Sept. 17.

The state plans to offer additional insulation installer training in October and November.

For more information contact Lynne Rodrigue at MaineHousing at 624-5755 or 215-8407, or by e-mail at lrodrigue@mainehousing.org

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