PA Petroleum Association completes expansion of training facility

Photo courtesy of PPA staff

The PA Petroleum Association (PPA) has completed the most recent phase of the planned expansion of its training center in Middletown, Pennsylvania. The expansion brings the total floorplan to more than 4,000 sq. ft. dedicated to HVAC and energy training programs.

PPA’s programs offer a curriculum tailored to give candidates the baseline skills required to secure a career in the HVAC and energy sectors. PPA says the expansion will enable it to train hundreds of additional energy sector professionals in the coming years.

The project marks the second building expansion of the Pennsylvania Petroleum Association Technical Education Center (PPATEC) training program in less than three years. It is part of a 10-year strategic plan of training expansion initiatives, which also included the addition of a new director of training and workforce development at the end of 2022. The association ultimately plans to make significant investments to double the size of building space by 2026.

To accommodate the expansion, the association has relocated its administrative operations to a separate location in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

Photo courtesy of PPA staff

“We’re excited to create a larger, modernized instructional facility for current and future students,” says Ted Harris, PPA’s executive vice president.  “The new classroom arrangement will position PPATEC for future growth by being able to accommodate far more students – all at the same time.”

The PPA is a not-for-profit trade association representing 400-plus energy stakeholders in the region. PPA operates PPATEC, which offers hands-on technical training solutions for the HVAC and energy industry. PPATEC is a Pennsylvania Department of Education-approved private licensed school and Veterans Affairs-approved training provider.