Live Sessions
Attendance at all 10 Live Sessions is required. They run every Monday during Weeks 1 to 10: 6:00 PM ET / 5:00 PM CT / 4:00 PM MT / 3:00 PM PT
Missing two Live Sessions results in automatic removal from the program, unless you've told your Program Coordinator about an emergency or extenuating circumstance. If you know you can't attend, email [email protected] as soon as possible.
Sessions are recorded for reference, but recordings don't count as attendance.
To prepare:
Have a reliable internet connection and a quiet space
Cameras on is strongly encouraged
Your toolkit
Your toolkit ships during Week 2. If it hasn't arrived by the start of Week 3, contact your Program Coordinator.
When it arrives, inspect everything as soon as possible. Check all boxes, since smaller tools are often packed with other items. Report anything missing or damaged right away.
Moving during the program? Let your Program Coordinator know so your toolkit goes to the right address.
The tools are yours to keep once you successfully complete the program. If you withdraw or are removed, they must be returned in good condition within 10 days using a prepaid shipping label from SkillCat.
Certifications
You earn one certification per week in the final three weeks.
OSHA-10 (Week 11)
A live two-day class held over a weekend. Dates are on your Student Calendar.
Attend both days in full. Class runs six hours each day.
Keep your camera on the entire time.
Use a desktop or laptop. Phones and tablets won't work.
Join from home, an office, or another quiet, private space. Public places and vehicles are not allowed.
There is no retake and no makeup date. If you miss any part of the class, you won't earn the certification.
NATE Ready to Work (Week 12)
Complete the coursework first
You'll get a free exam code on the Monday of Week 12
Don't attempt the exam without the code
If you need another attempt, email your Program Coordinator to reset your attempts
EPA 608 (Week 13)
This is the hardest of the three, so start studying in Week 11 or earlier. SkillCat covers the exam fee. The printed card is optional and not covered, and most employers accept the digital copy.
Already have one of these certifications?
If you didn't upload it with your Scholarship application, send a copy to your Program Coordinator. That week becomes free time to study ahead or review earlier coursework.
Completing the program
To complete the program, you need to:
Attend all 10 Live Sessions
Complete all coursework modules with a passing score by the due date
Complete all hands-on activities and field data collection with a passing score by the due date
Earn all three certifications: OSHA-10, NATE Ready to Work, and EPA 608
Stay respectful and professional with other participants, mentors, SkillCat staff, and Partner Companies
Partner Company matching
You're matched with Partner Companies that have at least one location within 25 miles of the address on your application. Matches are made when you're accepted into the program.
Partner Companies can be residential, commercial, multi-family, or a mix. Roles may include maintenance, install, service, or a combination. Open positions can change during the program.
If you move, tell your Program Coordinator as soon as possible. We'll try to match you near your new address, but we can't guarantee a Partner Company there.
By the end of Week 8, let your Program Coordinator know if:
You're open to commuting or relocating to other areas. Interviews outside your 25-mile radius aren't guaranteed, but we'll make every effort.
You're no longer interested in Partner Company matches, Meet & Greet sessions, or interviews.
If you accept a job with a company that isn't a Partner Company, let your Program Coordinator know. We'd still like to stay in touch with your employer.
After you graduate
Partner Companies have 30 days after you complete the program to schedule interviews. You're guaranteed an interview opportunity with each matched company.
Meet & Greet sessions in Weeks 11 and 13 are not interviews. They're a chance to meet Partner Companies and ask questions.
A job is not guaranteed. SkillCat actively introduces graduates to Partner Companies, but employment isn't guaranteed.
SkillCat will check in with you and your employer at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after graduation. These surveys are part of your Scholarship requirement, so please complete each one within 7 days.
SkillCat doesn't provide mentorship or technical support after the program ends. The check-ins are for progress tracking only.
Withdrawing or removal
To withdraw, email your Program Coordinator as soon as possible.
You may be removed for:
Missing two or more Live Sessions
Falling three or more weeks behind on coursework
Disrespectful or unprofessional behavior toward participants, mentors, SkillCat staff, or Partner Companies, in live sessions, GroupMe, or any other communication
If you withdraw or are removed:
Return your tools in good condition within 10 days. SkillCat will send a prepaid shipping label.
Coursework, activities, and certifications you've completed stay in your SkillCat account.
Access to the remaining JobReady coursework ends right away. If you have your own SkillCat subscription, you can keep using it.
You won't take part in Meet & Greet sessions or Partner Company interviews.
You can apply to a future cohort six months after the date you withdrew or were removed. Participants removed for Code of Conduct violations aren't eligible for any future cohort.
Who to contact
App, website, login, or content not loading: [email protected]
Coursework and hands-on activity questions: bring them to your Live Session, or email [email protected] or [email protected]
Emergencies, absences, toolkit issues, withdrawing, or other program questions: your Program Coordinator at [email protected]
Most communication happens through the SkillCat app and email. Please reply to messages from SkillCat staff within 24 hours.