During the course of troubleshooting and repairing refrigeration systems, there are times when refrigeration technicians need to work in extremely cold environments for extended periods of time.
As the old saying goes, “Everything is bigger in Texas.” This was certainly the case during Women in HVACR’s (WHVACR’s) 14th annual — and first stand-alone — conference, which was held in Fort Worth, Texas, at Tarrant County College Center of Excellence in Energy Technology (TCC).
Manufacturers of HVAC equipment are a charitable bunch, often lending a hand after weather-related and natural disasters, as well as offering their expertise to national and local charities. They are particularly generous when it comes to supporting trade schools and vocational training programs that count on their donations of HVAC equipment in order to provide a hands-on experience for their students. By donating equipment to trade schools and vocational training programs, manufacturers demonstrate their dedication to educating the next generation of HVAC professionals.
When the Steamfitters United Association (UA) Local No. 602 Mechanical Trades School needed equipment to use in its apprenticeship program, a major industrial and mechanical equipment distributor fulfilled the entire wish list through manufacturer donations.
As homeowners become increasingly aware of home performance and the benefits it offers, home-performance contractors must continue to find ways to promote and differentiate themselves from their competitors. Training and certification is a crucial differentiator, and it has the added bonus of making contractors more trustworthy to prospective customers.
Larry Taylor, whose career in the industry exceeds five decades, was honored as an inaugural Legend of HVACR Award winner during the 2017 Service World Expo, Sept. 7-8 at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.
HVAC manufacturers are in an interesting position when it comes to training and educating the industry’s next generation. While there is no black-and-white solution when it comes to addressing the technician shortage and ensuring there are enough people coming into the industry to satisfy demand, many manufacturers are doing their part by providing training opportunities wherever and whenever possible.
The NEWS’ Best Instructor and Trainer contest aims to shine a spotlight on the best teachers and advisors across the HVACR industry, and this year was no different as one of the industry’s true workhorses, Ed Brink, division manager, technical training, Meier Supply Co., was honored as the nation’s Best Trainer contest winner.
Joe Carone, an instructor for the Sheet Metal, Air, Rail, and Transportation Workers (SMART) Local 265, in Carol Stream, Illinois, was chosen as The NEWS’ 2017 Best Instructor.