RSES Spreads Its Training Expertise
During the society’s 65th Annual International Conference, Executive Vice President Robb Isaacs cited plans during 2003 to offer some 60 training seminars beyond those given within RSES. He said the seminars will be conducted in conjunction with such industry names as Tecumseh, Emerson, Baltimore Aircoil, and the Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association (GAMA). Additional training opportunities will be sought as well, he said.
He said the push to expand training is designed to make the well-respected training courses available to more industry personnel who could possibility become members and to help generate revenue for RSES in light of declining use of the courses within the society.
“We must find new markets. Not enough of our chapters are doing training programs,” he said. During the association’s annual meeting, it was reported that 1,455 persons took training programs during the 2001-2002 fiscal year, about a 10% drop from the previous year and part of a yearly double-digit decline that has been going on since fiscal year 1999.
At the same time, Isaacs promised the training courses would continue to be available for and promoted to RSES members. Most of the courses are offered by local RSES chapters. “Our chapters will not be put on the back burner,” Isaacs said.
The training courses cover refrigeration, air conditioning, electricity, heating, controls, and heat pumps, with most offered in multiple units.
DEVELOPING TIES
Isaacs also spoke of efforts by RSES to develop stronger ties with other industry associations. “RSES has the greatest basic and advanced training programs in HVACR,” he said. “Many associations are contractor groups that have great programs in business and how to make a profit. But they don’t have what we have for technicians.”Isaacs also voiced support for the North American Technician Excellence (NATE) testing program, noting RSES is working with NATE to have RSES recognized as a training arm for those preparing for NATE certification exams.
“We are part of NATE. It is our lifeblood,” he said.
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At the same time, he said RSES would continue to offer its own National Technician Certification (NTC) program, especially for those who might want certification recognition but not through the NATE organization.
The focus on finding potential members from the pool of people outside RSES who take training courses comes as the society continues to battle declining membership. The latest member count announced at the International Conference was 16,468 as of mid-October 2002, a 673-member decline from the 17,141 members reported as of Sept. 30, 2001.
Sidebar: Elections And Awards
In ceremonies at the conference, James R. Casey, P.E., of Elmwood Park, NJ, was elected International President. Gary Struhar of Windsor, ON, was named Member of the Year for his involvement in a wide variety of activities within RSES Canada. James A. Malone of ReCapCo was tapped as Speaker of the Year.Also, News columnist Joe Marchese of Pittsburgh, PA, was cited when a newsletter he edits for his local RSES chapter was named the best within the society.
Publication date: 11/18/2002
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