URBANDALE, Iowa - Industry People Group (IPG) announced their partnership with HVACReducation.net, a distance learning Website for HVACR technicians. HVACReducation.net will become the e-Learning portal for IPG's MEPatWORK.com, a job board dedicated to the HVACR, electrical, and plumbing fields.

Powered by MEPatWORK.com, HVACReducation.net will supply HVACR education and training to industry professionals nationwide. Some of the supporting industry organizations that promote education, training, and certification are the Air-Conditioning Refrigeration Institute (ARI), North American Technician Excellence (NATE), Refrigeration Service Engineers Society (RSES), and Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA).

"We are really excited about the new partnership with HVACReducation.net," stated Stephen Spain, COO of IPG. "This partnership demonstrates our commitment to the industry and complements the MEPatWORK.com job board. This relationship will provide added value to the customers we serve nationwide."

Development of new, energy efficient models for HVACR systems has generated a need for additional education and certification requirements for HVACR professionals. "With HVACReducation.net we are providing an online solution for training and education that meets certification standards," said Georgann Smith, vice president of marketing for IPG. "Meeting the needs of industry professionals and providing highly skilled, trained, and certified candidates to employers is our number one goal."

HVACR mechanics and installers held about 270,000 jobs in 2004; almost half worked for plumbing, heating, and air conditioning contractors. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers is projected to increase 21 to 35 percent for all occupations through the year 2014. Annually more than 57,000 new workers are needed to accommodate the growing needs of the multi-billion dollar industry. HVACR technicians and plumbers can expect to earn over $35,000 a year, while a seasoned technician, contractor, or engineer can earn up to $100,000 a year.

Publication date: 02/27/2006