“Counter Sales Skills: Becoming an ‘A’ Player Counter Professional” is an in-class workshop that will teach participants how to create relationships with customers and set the stage for the development of “A” player habits. It will be held Dec. 6, 2011, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., at Stage West All Suites Hotel in Mississauga, Ontario.

The demand for technology-driven education is rising, and many colleges and vocational schools are pushing their programs to find new ways to further incorporate technology and hands-on experience into instruction.

The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) will launch a new fall protection safety training program next year due to a new federal safety grant the association is being awarded.

Blue Gavel Press has announced the release of the 13th edition of its OSHA Training Guide. According to the company, the new edition features the most current safety training information, compiled and explained in everyday terms.

Direct Fired SST presented by AERCO International Inc.

Delmar, part of Cengage Learning, has introduced its Contractor’s Edge series with the publication of its first installment, Jobsite First Aid: A Field Guide for the Construction Industry.

The Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA) and its Mechanical Service Contractors of America (MSCA) subsidiary have released a revised version of their Model NFPA 70E Electrical Safety Program for Service.

Baseball, home runs, and winning games were the general theme of The Unified Group’s Sales Forum. You could extend the metaphor and call the forum a training camp, where attendees were able to work in small, noncompeting groups with experienced coaches.

According to former student Joe Bates, “Mr. [Boyd] King lives and breathes HVACR. He really knows how to connect with students, and he will do anything he can to help a student.” And that helps to explain why The NEWS is honoring King as runner-up in the 2011 Best Instructor Contest.

While it’s true that Tom Kalber officially retired from Sacramento City College (SCC) this past May, he’s the kind of instructor who can’t just walk away. After teaching full time for 32 years, he has now transitioned to a role as an adjunct professor, and he continues to aid the students in his program.