HVAC Students Getting Support from Microtek
Posted on Sep 14, 2016 1:34pm PDT
Microtek is a local Denver-area business providing tool kits and other
materials for use in tech classes in the area. The business is now offering
its tools to Pickens Technical College students in the Heating, Ventilating,
and Air Conditioning (HVAC) program for discount prices. Microtek’s
leadership made a deal with PTC HVAC instructor Wayne Blackwell to help
students get the materials they need to earn their HVAC technician certifications
and serve a community that needs HVAC. (The high for yesterday was 93
degrees, people, and remember that one December when the temperature didn’t
rise into double digits for about a week?)
The HVAC department at PTC is geared towards two main objectives: getting
students as much hands-on experience as possible, and getting students
prepared to take and pass the HVAC technician licensing exam. In order
to accomplish these objectives for students, PTC provides tools and other
materials for the students to practice their newfound skill with. He reached
out to Microtek to see if the company could provide training tool kits
to his students at a low price. Microtek agreed, and now all HVAC students
at PTC have what they need to start servicing heating and cooling systems.
With this new partnership, students can acquire tools at a better price
which helps them reach their goals. Blackwell’s students’
time is precious and it’s up to him to help them get as much as
possible out of their classroom experience and their hands-on practicing
experience as possible. Working as an HVAC technician is not an easy profession.
It’s even more difficult if the equipment you’re using is
less-than-standard. If you’re using faulty or worn equipment to
learn how to fix an air conditioning unit, you won’t know how to
properly fix one when you start your career as an HVAC technician. Microtek
is happy to help Blackwell’s students be the best they can be.
These days, most HVAC technicians have to earn their Environmental Protection
Agency certification. This is because federal law requires all HVAC technicians
working with ozone compounds found in AC devices be certified to properly
dispose of and handle them. Although these dangerous compounds are being
found in fewer and fewer devices, not having EPA certification can be
a detriment in a technician’s career. Blackwell ensures that his
students are well-prepared to handle refrigerants and gain EPA certifications
so they can help customers no matter what kind of AC units they have.
Colorado HVAC technicians also have an option to earn Industry Competency
Exam (ICE) certification to work in the state and Pickens’ courses
prepare students to pass these tests as well. Now with the help of Microtek
providing top-notch tool kits to his students.
In addition, PTC students are allowed to intern with Aurora public schools
Master Technicians to learn directly from people in the field while Anschutz
University and Cherry Creek Schools have paid internship programs as well.
Such a great benefit to the students!