� NORA RECOGNIZES NEWLY ACCREDITED INSTRUCTORS
The National Oilheat Research Alliance recognized the individuals who successfully completed the June 2025 NORA Accredited Instructor Program( AIP). These dedicated professionals represent a broad cross-section of the liquid heating fuels industry and are now certified to deliver high-level technical training across the country. The newly accredited instructors are: Josh Dunton, Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School; Christopher Tooley, Stafford Technical Center; Isaac Phelps, R. W. Beckett; Dennis Silvestri, ENTECH Advanced Energy Training, New Haven, Connecticut; Richard Thompson, JP Keefe High School; Doug Zerbe, PPATEC; Raymond Conte, New Hampshire School of Mechanical Trades; Josh Hodson, Advanced Trade School; and Thomas Leonetti, Carlin / Hydrolevel.
Training was conducted at NORA’ s state-of-the-art Research & Education Center in Plainview, NY, under the expert guidance of professional education trainer Brenda Huber.
The NORA Accredited Instructor Program was created to raise the quality and effectiveness of technical education in the liquid heating fuels industry. Participants began the program by delivering prepared presentations, which were evaluated by both the instructor and fellow participants. This initial assessment served as a foundation for the program’ s in-depth instructional development.
Throughout the course, participants were guided through advanced teaching methodologies designed to move beyond simple information delivery. The goal was to empower instructors to create dynamic, engaging, and effective learning experiences— ensuring that students not only understand the material but internalize and apply it with confidence.
In the liquid heating fuels industry, service professionals are often the primary point of contact with customers. Their expertise and communication directly influence customer perceptions of system efficiency, safety, renewable fuel adoption, and continued use of liquid fuel heating. The NORA AIP ensures that instructors are fully equipped to train these critical professionals to the highest standards.
For more information about the NORA Accredited Instructor Program, visit www. learning. noraweb. org / accredited-instructors /.
� NORA ADDS TO ROSTER OF TECH SCHOOLS
NORA announced the expansion of its list of participating technical schools offering the Bronze Technician Training as part of the NORA Technician Education Program. This initiative, which aims to enhance workforce development and strengthen the future of the liquid heating fuels industry, now includes several new institutions committed to excellence in HVAC and energy efficiency training.
NORA Certified Technical Schools certified in 2025:
• JP Keefe High School, Van Buren, ME
Chris Tooley Dennis Silvestri Joshua Dunton
Doug Zerbe
Issac Phelps
Richard Thompson
Tom Leonetti
Ray Conte
Josh Hodson
• Advanced Trade School, Brentwood, NH
• D. F. Richard Energy, Dover, NH
• Palmer Gas & Oil, Atkinson, NH
• Stafford Technical Center, Rutland, VT
• Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School, Haverhill, MA
• Bristol Technical Education Center, Bristol, CT
• Norbert E Mitchell, Danbury, CT
• State University of NY( SUNY) at Morrisville, Morrisville, NY The NORA Education Program is dedicated to promoting technical education and professional growth in the liquid heating fuels industry. By partnering with accredited technical schools, the program provides students and professionals with access to modern training resources, certifications, and hands-on experience with the latest heating technologies.
“ We are excited to expand our network of technical schools to better serve students seeking careers in heating technologies,” said Bob O’ Brien, Director of Education at NORA.“ This growth supports our mission ensuring a well-trained workforce prepared for the evolving needs of the liquid heating fuel sector and its customers.”
With the addition of these new partner schools, NORA said, it continues to prepare the next generation of technicians with tools and knowledge essential to maintaining and upgrading home heating systems— particularly as the industry shifts toward lowcarbon liquid fuels.
Visit NORA for more information about the NORA Education Program and to view the full list of participating schools.
NORA is a congressionally authorized not-for-profit organization that works to improve the energy efficiency and environmental integrity of liquid fuel heating in the United States. NORA supports research, education, and workforce development initiatives. l FON
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