How NXT Level training keeps contractors and companies up to date with today’s lighting industry.
NXT Level
Portland, OR
The story of NXTLevel, an affordable lighting training program we created so utilities could fill the shortage of pros qualified to work on modern systems.
Impact
Active participants
%
The amount of NXT Level designees motivated to incorporate lighting controls into projects
NXT Level 1 designated trade allies
NXT Level 2 designated trade allies
The introduction of LEDs changed the lighting industry forever. Experienced professionals and new entrants to the workforce both needed technical training to work on the new systems, and opportunities were in short supply. At the same time, lighting purchases shifted towards e-commerce, where inexperienced buyers experience high light levels, flicker, and early product failure. The industry needed standardized training, not based on specific manufacturers’ products but focused on the technology itself.
NXT Level exists to meet the market’s obvious need for accessible professional education. Alongside our partners at NEEA, Lighting Design Lab and the Lighting Research Center, we created this rigorous online certification program in commercial and industrial lighting to ensure a steady stream of qualified tradespeople.
Designed for flexibility and ease of access, NXT Level’s online, self-paced format lets tradespeople employed by utilities and related organizations take courses anytime and anywhere. Whether urban or rural, lighting industry professionals can get qualified to work with the latest technology, on or off the clock.
The training covers every aspect of lighting and control projects, including Technology, Project cost analysis and Utility programs. The two-part, in-depth learning experience begins with a thorough introduction provided by NXT Level 1. Then, NXT Level 2 offers a deep dive into the latest advanced commercial and industrial lighting retrofits. The curriculum is designed to keep individuals and companies ahead of the curve and distinguish them from their competitors. Each NXT Level path requires participants to do more than nine hours of coursework and pass final exams. Taking part means diving deep into lighting and controls technology, energy codes and utility programs.
Understanding the latest lighting techniques, advanced controls, and technologies in the rapidly evolving commercial lighting industry provides participants a significant advantage over the competition. In addition, the NXT Level designation gives lighting pros the knowledge they need to ensure their customers feel comfortable and confident. Having a trained lighting professional is like having an accountant to help with taxes. It provides peace of mind knowing that their project is done efficiently and correctly by someone who knows what they’re doing.
“Changes in lighting technology are so fast-paced that it is hard for contractors to stay up to date on all the products. If I keep myself educated, then I’m a better resource and can help them deliver stronger recommendations to their customers.”
Our team has implemented this program for a wide range of utilities and energy-efficiency organizations looking to expand their workforce, enhance contractor skill sets, and evangelize the value of energy efficiency to customers.
The creation of NXT Level is helping to create a pool of trade allies qualified to deliver energy efficiency improvements across the country.
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How NXT Level training keeps contractors and companies up to date with today’s lighting industry.
The story of NXTLevel, an affordable lighting training program we created so utilities could fill the shortage of pros qualified to work on modern systems.