� ESEA NETWORKING ROYALE RAISES $ 1,000 FOR OIL HEAT CARES
The Empire State Energy Association ’ s inaugural Networking Royale raised $ 1,000 for Oil Heat Cares , reports ESEA Executive Director Kris DeLair . The fundraising event to benefit energy associations and Oil Heat Cares was held Saturday , March 9 , at Pat ’ s Barn in Troy , N . Y ., and featured food and casino games .
Credit ESEA
� PPATEC GRADUATES BOLSTER PENNSYLVANIA ’ S HVAC WORKFORCE
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 student ’ s 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 Hummelstown ( 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 training @ papetroleum . org 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 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 . To learn more about PPATEC ’ s program , visit https :// ppatec . com /.
The Pennsylvania Petroleum Association , based in Middletown , Pa ., is a not-for-profit trade association that represents 450 + energy stakeholders . For more information on the Association or its programs , visit https :// papetroleum . org /. l FON
Credit PPATEC
32 MAY 2024 | FUEL OIL NEWS | www . fueloilnews . com