PPATEC March 2024 Program Graduates Enter Pennsylvania Workforce

(MIDDLETOWN, Pa) — Nine new individuals will be entering the workforce after graduating the HVAC & Energy Professional Program. On March 22, the PPATEC (Pennsylvania Petroleum Association Technical Education Center) held a graduation ceremony for the students. The event featured spouses, parents, grandparents, and employers present to celebrate the students’ achievements as well as acknowledging their exciting new career choice.

The March 2024 HVAC & Energy Professional Program 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 out of the night graduates were $3,000 recipients of the Robert V. Boltz Scholarship Foundation.

• Chester Alexander enrolled through PA CareerLink and accepted a position with Rhoads Energy prior to graduation.
• Collin Burkett enrolled as an employee of RF Ohl while attending the program.
• Ethan Wilson enrolled as an employee of Ameri-Tec Mechanical, a Div. of BJ Baldwin Electric while attending the program.
• Jarrett Simonetti enrolled as an employee of JLD Property Management Group, Inc. while attending the program.
• Jenna Poole enrolled as an employee of Kauffman Gas while attending the program.
• Jeraye Dennis (enrolled through PA CareerLink and accepted a position with W.C. Eshenaur & Son, Inc. prior to graduation)
• Mario Zunun enrolled individually and accepted a position with Ameri-Tec Mechanical, a Div. of BJ Baldwin Electric prior to graduation.
• Steven Valentine enrolled through PA CareerLink and is seeking employment – contact [email protected] for more information.
• Troy Love enrolled through PA CareerLink and accepted a position with HB Home Service Team 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 Vice President, 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.