ROCKLEDGE, Fla. - QwikProducts, the HVACR product division of Mainstream Engineering, has announced a partnership with the Home Builders Institute (HBI), the workforce development arm of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). The partnership offers specialized HVACR and building maintenance training/certifications from QwikProducts’ www.epatest.com website to students in HBI Job Corps programs.

Under contract with the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), HBI operates Job Corps programs in 41 states and provides hands-on training to more than 3,000 at-risk youth. The partnership concentrates on 200 students enrolled in facilities maintenance trades training - one of eight trades offered at HBI Job Corps programs across the country.

QwikProducts’ www.epatest.com training materials are free online, while the costs of testing, proctoring, and certification are funded by the U.S. DOL National Office of Job Corps through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Students will participate in the following training/certification programs: 1) EPA Section-608 Type I; 2) Preventative Maintenance Tech (PM Tech); 3) Green HVACR; 4) Indoor Air Quality (IAQ); and 5) R-410A.

HBI Job Corps students are introduced to the www.epatest.com training/certification programs initially through the partnership’s kickoff campaign, “Score Big with a Big Score” contest promotion available at 19 participating HBI Job Corps programs across 17 states. The highest scoring student on all five training/certification program tests will receive national press recognition and 1) a Yellow Jacket refrigeration pressure gauge set; 2) a QwikInjector for injecting dyes and QwikShot moisture eliminator; 3) QwikLug compressor terminal repair kit; 4) QwikCheck acid test kit; 5) a two-lb. canister of Qwik System Flush flushing agent; and 6) a flushing agent canister access valve with safety relief valve option.

“This partnership increases awareness with students we might not attract through our conventional HVACR channels,” said Ross Soyka, commercial sales and marketing manager, Mainstream Engineering, which recently created its Trade School Division (TSD) to provide training/certification, aftermarket products, and educational support to U.S. HVACR trade schools. “This classroom training gives students confidence in their abilities and helps take out the mystique of the hands-on training. It’s a win/win situation for Mainstream Engineering, HBI, and its students.”

“HBI students who complete these tests and certifications are ultimately more marketable to HVACR contractors,” said CJ Tirone, executive vice president, HBI. “In addition to offering specialized knowledge and skills, an industry-certified new hire saves an employer training time and expense and can begin work immediately.”

For more information on Mainstream Engineering, visit www.mainstream-engr.com. For more information on the Home Builders Institute, visit www.hbi.org.

Publication date: 11/15/2010