After meeting Kadir Isa, I’ll never call anyone a “turkey” (in a negative way) anymore.

Isa, an HVACR training specialist from Istanbul, Turkey, attended the recent HVACR & Plumbing Instructor Workshop, which was sponsored, in part, by The NEWS.

He gave the annual event an international flavor. He was present and thoroughly enjoyed the camaraderie among his U.S. associates. He bummed around with Robert Bates, instructor from Delaware Tech, Georgetown, Del., while at the three-day event held in Lansdowne, Va.

“It’s a good experience,” said Isa, struggling to find the right word in English. “As teachers, we need to know the latest advancements. I am open to learn.”

The Society of HVACR Training, Consulting, and Research (ISEDA) helped Isa get to the States. He is international relations coordinator for the Turkish association. It also helped that he was able to save money on room and board as his younger brother Selim lives in nearby Sterling, Va. Selim is an authorized Carrier dealer.

During his stay, Isa learned more about ECM products and technologies, screw compressor applications, and what’s new with industry design and installation tools and standards. He was even looking into becoming a proctor for North American Technician Excellence (NATE) in Turkey.

In his home country, Isa said study is more on facts and theory. He also said community colleges are better connected to colleges in Turkey. Education is stressed and pushed.

“Life learning is the key,” he said. “That’s one reason why I’m here. I’m here to learn.”

No turkey. No, indeed.