HVAC Maintenance 101 Fast Track Training at the Boys & Girls Club

CareerEdge’s first employer lead training began in May with eight students receiving lessons and hands on training by Cool Today.  This first of its kind training is being held three nights a week at Roy McBean Boys & Girls Club.  Students received Bridges to Careers soft skill training and mock interviews.    We are also working with HVAC employers to schedule job shadowing and internships for students before the class concludes September 26th.

Students with Cool Today instructor

Setting a New Standard: Fast-Track HVAC Training Adds Workers to the Industry

11 individuals recently graduated from the first HVAC Installation Fast-Track Training, held at Manatee Technical College (MTC). 100% have job offers from the following local HVAC companies: Cool Today, Veterans Air, Del Air, Unique Air, Sean McCutcheon, Dan Eder, Ultimate Air, Putnam Mechanical, Aqua Air and Sarasota Bradenton International Airport.

The HVAC Fast-Track Training was piloted as a way for employers to quickly fill in-demand HVAC Installation openings and to create access to HVAC career pathways with opportunities for future promotions. CareerEdge and donor Walt Eppard brought HVAC employers and MTC together to identify the specific curriculum components for this consolidated, employer-led, hands-on training.
Highlighting the effectiveness of this program, Michael Bannister, Manager at Del-Air said, “The combination of the technical and soft skills learned in this program has made each of the graduates an instantly asset that any installation team would gladly have. The continuation of programs such as this will continue to bolster the students, instructors, trade partners, and the community for years to come.”

United Way Suncoast and CareerEdge have partnered to create Career Quest – a career exploration and college savings program for low-income rising high school juniors in Sarasota County. The pilot program has the following components:

• Matched College Savings Account opened for each participating student through a partnership with United Way Suncoast and SunTrust Bank. Students saving a minimum of $25 per month for the two years of their Junior and Senior years in high school will have up to $500 of their savings matched 4-to-1 through both a private match, as well as through the federal government Assets for Independence program, for a possible $2000 in additional college savings. Therefore, each graduating senior has the opportunity to have a minimum of $2500 available for their post-secondary education if they save the $25 per month for the two years. Matched savings are paid directly to the higher education institution, whether a 2- or 4-year degree or a technical college certification program
• Paid internship opportunity at partner organizations in high demand sectors such as: Healthcare, Manufacturing, Construction, IT, Financial Service, or Transportation. Employers are reimbursed up to $1,000 per intern hires. Students are paid minimum wage or higher and work approximately 20 hours per week for 6- 8 weeks over the summer. Exact schedules are determined by each organization.
• Financial Literacy for students is required with the savings program and is provided by United Way Suncoast and mentor organizations such as Unidos Now, Girls Inc., Take Stock in Children, Boys & Girls Club, Big Brother Big Sisters, Y-Achievers, etc. Topics include banking, budgeting, money management, credit analysis, college savings, and filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA.

CareerEdge, Pinellas County Ex-Offender Re-Entry Coalition (PERC) and Pinellas Technical College are partnering to help re-entering individuals earn Carpentry Certifications, OSHA and hands-on experience in construction trades. This program, called Second Chance Tiny Homes, allows students to work on building these small homes to acquire hours and experience throughout the class. The program also provides safety gear and tools that are necessary for the certification.  Upon completion of the program, students receive placement assistance with local contractors, builders and other construction organizations. The mission of the program is to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to obtain a career in the construction industry. To learn more about the program, click here.

FAFSA Labs: