Senator James Sanders Jr. Hosts Free HVAC License Training

November 5, 2019

Many community members were interested in the free HVAC training and signed up at the launch on October 31, 2019.

Senator James Sanders Jr. (D-Rochdale Village, Far Rockaway) is partnering with Tauris Tech to host a Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) program in the Rockaways.

The kickoff took place on October 31, 2019 at the Arverne By the Bay Community Center. Tauris McBride, CEO of Tauris Tech, gave a presentation about the HVAC field, what employers are looking for when hiring staff, and how to explore higher level positions in the HVAC field. McBride was assisted by his former student, Oluwafemi Olasokan also known as 'Femi' who is a Refrigeration Operating Engineer for National Grid.

McBride said he encourages his students to master their skills and then go on to start their own business. Femi created his company - The Cool Guy Inc. - three months ago, and so far business has been good.

David Meade, Executive Director from Building Skills NY also attended the launch. Meade emphasized the need for more HVAC workers and educated the community about Building Skills NY, a not-for-profit organization committed to providing underserved and underemployed New York residents with good paying jobs at local construction sites.

By the end of the launch 70 individuals had registered for the HVAC course and over 100 people throughout the five boroughs had expressed interested in participating in the program. Since the HVAC training had only being advertised in the community for less than two weeks, we believe the overwhelming response is an indication that more workforce training is needed in the district and throughout New York City.

The official program is due to start on Monday, November 11, 2019 and will last six weeks. This will be a hands-on program where students may have the potential to gain immediate employment. The course is FREE and open to High School seniors, individuals who have a H.S. Diploma or G.E.D. Upon completion, students will receive a EPA 608 Universal Technician Certification.

Please Note: This session is full and we are NOT accepting any more applicants at this time.