� PPATEC PARTNERS WITH HIRE HEROES USA
The Pennsylvania Petroleum Association ( PPA ) announced a new partnership with Hire Heroes USA employment assistance network . The PPA is a not-for-profit trade association representing independent petroleum marketers . Hire Heroes USA partners with businesses across the United States to create and publicize training and employment opportunities for military veterans and spouses as they transition to civilian careers .
The PPA ’ s Technical Education Center currently offers a 10-Week HVAC & Energy Professional Program with a curriculum tailored to give Pennsylvania ’ s veterans baseline skills needed to secure a job in the heating , ventilation , and air conditioning ( HVAC ) and energy industry .
Through the Hire Heroes USA network , PPATEC program opportunities will be communicated to a wider audience across the Commonwealth .
The 10-Week program offers veterans significant advantages . PPATEC has been formally approved by the Veterans Administration ( VA ) to accept GI Bill benefits ( payment ) from eligible veteran attendees .
This designation now allows PPATEC to enroll a veteran and have their tuition expense paid for through the GI Bill .
PPATEC also has a separate 501 ( c ) ( 3 ) scholarship program to assist veterans and other students in completing the program with lower — or zero — out-ofpocket costs .
“ Our organization is working to offer our veterans something in addition to gratitude : an opportunity for a secure future ,” said Ted Harris , PPA ’ s executive vice president . “ Partnering with Hire Heroes USA will boost the signal to more Pennsylvania veterans , making these opportunities more available to more people .”
Program graduates have an immediate path to a well-compensated career — the average HVAC and energy technician salary in Pennsylvania is $ 54,740 , according to PPA . They also benefit from a pipeline to the workplace : PPA ’ s network of 400 member companies – many of whom are continually seeking qualified employees to enter into the trade .
Qualified candidates are highly sought in the industry , where in some cases the average field technician is now more than 50 years old . Currently , more than 2,000 positions are open across the state .
The Pennsylvania Petroleum Association is based in Middletown . The training available through PPATEC 30 SEPTEMBER 2023 | FUEL OIL NEWS | www . fueloilnews . com