PPATEC March 2024 program graduates enter workforce

The Pennsylvania Petroleum Association Technical Education Center offers hands-on technical training solutions for the HVAC and energy industry. It celebrated its March 2024 graduates. (Photo courtesy of the Pennsylvania Petroleum Association)

Nine new individuals are entering the workforce after graduating in March from the Pennsylvania Petroleum Association Technical Education Center’s (PPATEC) HVAC & Energy Professional Program.

The graduates included Chester Alexander of Harrisburg (Dauphin County), Collin Burkett of Palmerton (Carbon County), Ethan Wilson of Oxford (Chester County), Jarrett Simonetti of Hummlestown (Dauphin County), Jenna Poole of Drumore (Lancaster County), Jeraye Dennis of Harrisburg (Dauphin County), Mario Zunan of Harrisburg (Dauphin County), Steven Valentine of Highspire (Dauphin County) and Troy Love of Steelton (Dauphin County).

Eight of the graduates were $3,000 recipients of the Robert V. Boltz Scholarship Foundation.

PPATEC, an arm of the PA Petroleum Association (PPA), offers hands-on technical training solutions for the HVAC and energy industry. The PPA is a not-for-profit trade association representing 450-plus 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 Veterans Affairs 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 vice president, there is a statewide 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 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.