JobReady Program FAQ

What is the JobReady Program?
JobReady is a 13-week HVAC training program. This is different than the JobReady Learning Plan included in your SkillCat app. This program includes mentors and hands on activities.

How much time does the program require each week?
Approximately 10–15 hours per week, covering coursework, hands-on activities, and one live session.

What does tuition cover?
Tuition covers all coursework, live sessions, the toolkit, all three certifications, and guaranteed interviews with partner companies. There are no additional costs.

Which certifications are included?
Three: OSHA 10 in Week 11, NATE Ready to Work in Week 12, and EPA 608 in Week 13.

Is hands-on training included?
Yes. The weekly offline activities are the hands-on component of the program.

Does the program lead directly to an apprenticeship?
No. The program prepares you for entry-level employment. Apprenticeship requirements vary by state and are usually tied to a specific employer. Contact your state Department of Labor for details.

Can I work ahead or take other SkillCat courses during the program?
You may work ahead within your assigned learning plan. Courses outside the plan are not available during the program.

How do I get a copy of the handbook?
The handbook is downloadable once your agreements are signed, and is also sent by email. It is accessible within the SkillCat platform as well. If you cannot locate it, contact your Program Coordinator at [email protected].

When are Live Sessions held?
Live Sessions are held every Monday during Weeks 1–10 and run approximately 1 hour: 6 PM EST / 5 PM CST / 4 PM MST / 3 PM PST

Is attendance mandatory?
Yes. Attendance at all 10 Live Sessions is required.

What happens if I miss a Live Session?
Missing two sessions results in removal from the program. If an emergency prevents you from attending, contact your Program Coordinator at [email protected] as soon as possible.

Are sessions recorded?
Yes. Recordings are made available for reference but do not count toward attendance.

Do I need my camera on?
Cameras on is strongly encouraged. A reliable internet connection and a quiet space are required for each session.

My connection dropped during a session. Does this affect my attendance?
No. Disconnections are visible to the host and your attendance is still recorded.

Can I join from a different device?
Yes. Changing devices does not affect your attendance.

How do I change my display name in Zoom on mobile?
Select More, then Participants, then your name, then Rename. On some versions this appears under the three-dot menu in the top right.

The live poll will not load.
The poll opens in a pop-up window. On mobile, swipe between the presentation and the poll view. If it still does not appear, submit your answer in the chat.

My audio is not working during a session.
Leave and rejoin the session. If the problem continues, disable Bluetooth on your device, as a connected headset or speaker may be capturing the audio.

I was not assigned to a breakout room.
Breakout rooms are created from the participants present at that moment. If you joined late or reconnected, notify the host in the chat and you will be added.

When is my work due?
Each week runs Monday to Sunday. Coursework is due within the week it is assigned. Hands-on activities have one additional week for resubmissions, after which they close.

What happens if I fall behind?
At two weeks behind, your Program Coordinator will contact you. At three or more weeks behind, you will be removed from the program. Contact [email protected] if you need support.

Should I complete the coursework or the hands-on activity first?
Either order is acceptable. The coursework teaches the task, so complete it first if the activity is unfamiliar. Work submitted early is not reviewed until the week it is due.

I do not have access to an AC unit.
Access to your own equipment is not required. Email [email protected] describing the equipment available to you, and an alternate activity will be assigned.

My system is different from the one shown in the activity.
Alternate activities are available for different system types, including mini-splits, packaged units, and shared systems in condominiums. Email [email protected] before submitting.

I cannot complete an activity safely.
Do not attempt any activity you cannot complete safely. Email [email protected] and an alternate activity will be assigned.

Can I use my own tools?
Yes, provided they are suitable for the task.

I have no HVAC experience. What do I submit?
No prior experience is required. Each activity includes a video demonstration, and you submit your own photos of the work you complete.

One photo in my submission was incorrect. Do I resubmit everything?
No. Submit only the photo that needs correcting. Submissions can be edited until they are graded.

Can I resubmit an activity I did not pass?
Yes. Activities may be resubmitted.

I need help with a hands-on activity.
Bring the question to your weekly live session, or email your mentor at [email protected] with the specific step you are stuck on.

Are activities graded pass or fail?
Yes. Activities are graded pass or fail rather than by percentage.

What file types can I upload?
Photographs only, in PNG or JPEG format.

How long does grading take?
Allow five business days after submission. If your progress has not updated after that, contact [email protected].

My work is submitted but not yet graded. Am I behind?
No. Work counts as on pace once it is submitted. Grading time is not counted against you.

A later week was graded before an earlier one. Do I need to resubmit?
No. Weeks are not always graded in order. Submitted work remains under review.

The app will not load.
Clear your cache and history, refresh, and check for an app update. If the problem continues, reinstall the app or contact [email protected].

I receive an error when downloading a file.
Refresh and try again. Clearing your browser cache and history usually resolves it.

Why does the app only show my assigned training?
During the program, the app displays only your assigned learning plan. The wider SkillCat library becomes available after you complete the program.

Who do I contact about app or website problems?
Email [email protected] for issues with the app, website, login, or content that will not load.

When is my toolkit shipped?
Toolkits ship after Week 2.

Do I keep the tools?
Tools are yours to keep upon successful completion of the program. If you withdraw or are removed from the cohort, your tools will need to be returned within 10 days. A prepaid shipping label will be provided.

An item is missing or damaged.
Inspect your toolkit on arrival and report any missing or damaged items to [email protected] immediately. Check all boxes first, as smaller tools are often packed with other items.

My toolkit arrived under a different name.
All toolkits are identical, so you may use it. Notify [email protected] so the order record can be corrected.

Which NATE certification is included?
NATE Ready to Work. NATE Core and the specialty exams are separate certifications and are not part of this program.

When do I order my EPA card?
After completing the EPA 608 coursework in Week 13.

Can I download my certificates?
Yes. Each certificate can be saved as a PDF once earned. A physical card can be ordered separately for a fee.

Does EPA 608 allow me to work independently?
No. EPA 608 covers refrigerant handling and is not a trade license. Licensing and insurance requirements vary by municipality.

Is a job guaranteed?
No. Employment is not guaranteed. The program guarantees an interview opportunity with each matched Partner Company.

Are the Meet and Greet sessions interviews?
No. They are an opportunity to meet Partner Companies and ask questions. Interviews are scheduled after the program ends.

What happens after I complete the program?
Your information is shared with Partner Companies, who have 30 days to schedule interviews. If you are hired, SkillCat will check in with you and your employer at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months.

Is support available after the program ends?
No. SkillCat does not provide ongoing mentorship or technical support after the program. Post-program check-ins are for progress tracking only.

What types of companies are Partner Companies?
Partner Companies include residential, commercial, and mixed operations. The balance varies by location.

Am I obligated to work for a Partner Company?
No. Taking part in the program does not commit you to SkillCat or to any Partner Company.

What role will I be hired into?
Entry level, typically titled green technician, apprentice, or helper depending on the employer.

Can I opt out of the interview process?
Yes. Notify [email protected] and you will be removed from the Meet and Greet sessions.

Are there roles that require no prior experience?
Yes. Entry roles such as helper and facilities assistant require no prior experience and are common entry points into the trade.

Is part-time work common in the trades?
No. Most employers hire on a full-time basis.

I plan to relocate. How does this affect placement?
Partner Companies hire regionally, so apply in the area where you will be living. Contact your Program Coordinator with your timeline so your situation can be raised with the companies.

Will a background check affect my eligibility?
Most employers require a background check, a drug test, and a valid driver's license. Requirements vary by employer and by state.

I am under 18. Can I be hired?
Most employers require applicants to be 18 or older for technician roles, largely due to insurance and driving requirements. Requirements vary by employer. To be eligible for the JobReady Program, you must turn 18 by the program completion date.

How do I withdraw from the program?
Notify your Program Coordinator at [email protected].

What can result in removal from the program?
Missing two or more live sessions, falling three or more weeks behind on coursework, or unprofessional conduct toward participants, mentors, SkillCat staff, or partner companies.

What happens if I am removed?
You keep your tools and any certifications earned, which remain in your SkillCat account. Access to the JobReady learning plan ends immediately, and you will not take part in Meet and Greet sessions or partner company interviews.

Can I apply to a future cohort?
You may apply six months after the date of your withdrawal or removal. Participants removed for unprofessional conduct are not eligible to reapply.

Who do I contact, and for what?

How quickly should I respond to messages from SkillCat?
Within 24 hours. Communication is through the SkillCat app and email.