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PPATEC September program graduates enter Pennsylvania workforce

Written on: September 23, 2024 by ICM

On September 13, the Pennsylvania Petroleum Association Technical Education Center (PPATEC) held a graduation ceremony for 14 students who recently graduated from the HVAC & Energy Professional Program.

The September 2024 HVAC & Energy Professional Program graduates included Anthony Morales of Pottsville (Schuylkill County), Christopher Falbo of Shippensburg (Cumberland County), Devon Spadt of Palmerton (Carbon County), Dominic Cruz of Harrisburg (Dauphin County), Dywan Blanding of Harrisburg (Dauphin County), Jaionne Miller of Lemoyne (Cumberland County), Josh Shore of Dover (York County), Juan Harris of Harrisburg (Dauphin County), Man Singh Magar of Harrisburg (Dauphin County), Marquan Whiting of Harrisburg (Dauphin County), Michael Mooney of New Oxford (Adams County), Pupsa Kafle of Harrisburg (Dauphin County), Tate Petrides of Aspers (Adams County) and Walker Martin of East Earl (Lancaster County). Six of the graduates were $3,000 recipients of the Robert V. Boltz Scholarship Foundation.

The following students will be entering the workforce immediately upon graduation:

  • Anthony Morales accepted a position with Rick’s Refrigeration & Heating, Inc. prior to graduation
  • Devon Spadt enrolled as an employee of RF Ohl while attending the program
  • Dominic Cruz accepted a position with Home Climates prior to graduation
  • Dywan Blanding accepted a position with HL Bowman prior to graduation
  • Juan Harris accepted a position with Suburban Propane prior to graduation
  • Michael Mooney accepted a position with Suburban Propane prior to graduation
  • Tate Petrides accepted a position with Zimmerman Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning prior to graduation
  • Walker Martin accepted a position with Kauffman Gas prior to graduation

PPATEC, an arm of the PA Petroleum Association (PPA), offers leading hands-on technical training solutions for the HVAC and energy industry. The PPA is a not-for-profit trade association representing 450+ energy stakeholders. PPATEC is a postsecondary entry-level career training institution licensed by the State Board of Private Licensing Schools and is approved by the VA to accept GI Bill benefits.

In 2022, PPATEC launched its HVAC & Energy Professional Program, a 10-week, hands-on curriculum tailored to provide the skills needed to secure a job in the HVAC and energy industry. Since then, graduates of the program have routinely enjoyed multiple employment offers, often graduating on a Friday and going into a new career the following Monday.

According to Ted Harris, PPATEC’s Executive VP, there is a state-wide shortage of more than 2,000 HVAC and energy technicians—jobs with an average annual salary well above $50,000. PPATEC created its entry-level training program to help PPA members fill that pressing need.  “We’re glad to play a role in preparing these—and other—young men and women for family sustaining careers in an in-demand field,” says Harris.

Candidates have multiple opportunities for financial support. Veterans can use GI Bill benefits to defray the cost of the program. PPATEC also routinely offers scholarships to candidates. In addition, PPA members have an opportunity to sponsor a candidate entering the program. To learn more about PPATEC’s program, visit https://ppatec.com/.