ST. PAUL, Minn. — NexTech Academy, with partner Allen Interactions, received the Brandon Hall Group HCM Excellence in Learning Silver Award for Best Advance in Competencies and Skill Development on Thursday, August 20. NexTech Academy is Nexstar Network’s self-paced, interactive, online training program for new technicians entering the HVAC, plumbing, and electrical trades.

“Organizations around the world highly value Brandon Hall Group Excellence Awards — so much so that we received a record number of applications in the middle of a global pandemic,” said Rachel Cooke, Brandon Hall Group chief operating officer and leader of the HCM Excellence Awards Program. “The awards provide valuable recognition and validation of best practices in all areas of HCM at a time when they have never been more important to both employers and employees.”

“We are so incredibly grateful for the opportunity to work with such forward-thinking organizations on initiatives that are the driving force behind change around critical topics such as mental health, healthcare training, and technician training in plumbing, electrical, and heating,” said Dr. Michael Allen, founder and CEO, Allen Interactions.

“Our team was thrilled to work with Allen Interactions to develop engaging and transformative content for students enrolled in our online technical training program, NexTech Academy,” said Rachel Whitman, director of NexTech Academy. “We forged a creative partnership and had a lot of fun crafting the curriculum, which I think is evident in each lesson. I am very proud of the team, and I know the content will impact and inspire future residential plumbers, electricians, and HVAC technicians.”

HVAC Technical Coach Joe DeLong is pleased for the NexTech Academy team’s win.

“This project has been, and will continue to be, our way of paying it forward to the next generation of technicians to give them the best learning experience possible,” said DeLong.

The winners are listed here.