Local 449 continues to be an industry leader when it comes to HVAC-R training, and recently they’ve been helping other locals strengthen their programs as well.
April 7th through 9th at the Steamfitters Event Center, Local 449 hosted a “Starting or Improving your own HVAC-R Program” workshop that attracted trainers and program managers from all over Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Maryland, and New Jersey.
“The class is to build curriculum to improve HVACR training programs throughout region,” said Brad Tisdale, HVAC-R trainer at the Local 449.
As the industry continues to evolve, training centers are challenged with ensuring curriculums are updated with the latest technologies and techniques.
“We felt that it was necessary to support our sister locals because we went through this endeavor ourselves a little while back [creating the curriculum],” Tisdale said. “Now that we’ve completed it, we felt an obligation to share it with the industry so that others can improve their programs and take advantage of some of the work we’ve already created.”
Young men and women from all over the country are currently learning HVAC-R, so local training centers need to stay vigilant and implement updated techniques so that trainees are set up for success when they leave their programs.
“It is for the good of the HVAC-R industry,” Tisdale said. “We realize the importance of actually having performance testing for the young men and women, so it’s more than just passing the grade and getting through the subject matter.”
Tisdale and other Local 449 trainers see the significance in students learning in a hands-on lab environment, working on equipment and showing instructors that they can use a multimeter, calculate superheat, troubleshoot, and think on their feet.
“That’s when you are successful,” Tisdale said.
Local 449 already plans on hosting more of these workshops in the future.