The National HVACR Educators and Trainers Conference, hosted by HVAC Excellence, is set for March 8-10 at the Imperial Palace in Las Vegas.

“HVACR training and conferences are traditionally offered during the industry’s off-season months,” explained Howard Weiss, director of marketing for HVAC Excellence. “State departments of education and school directors have notified us that March is the optimal time for them to allow their instructors to attend professional development sessions. In order to accommodate industry trainers and educators, we selected March.”

Weiss added that HVAC Excellence believes education and training is critical to the continued growth and success of the industry.

“We also believe that technicians and educators should have an opportunity for growth and advancement through education,” he said. “Many organizations such as RSES, ACCA, PHCC, and others hold conferences throughout each calendar year. We believe that individuals should attend as many programs offered as realistically possible. Organizations offer different venues and topics. An individual should decide which one meets their specific needs.”

GREEN AMONG TOPICS

At this year’s Educators and Training Conference, a representative from the United States Department of Energy (DOE) is scheduled to discuss the “green collar” economy as it pertains to the industry. Weiss said a new wave of energy-efficiency programs and standards are being discussed in Washington, so those who understand the programs and how they will directly affect the industry “will be the leaders in the green economy.”

As Weiss explained, with new and emerging technologies, even the industry’s best must continually update their skills and adapt. It’s why there are 30 different educational and training sessions scheduled for the 2009 gathering.

“Providing continuing education for our industry is the only way to ensure that the current and next generation of HVACR service technicians is being properly trained for the green collar jobs being created,” he said, noting that continuing education units (CEUs) are issued for each workshop attended.

Some of the topics to be addressed include “Air Flow Measurements;” “Changing to POE Oil With the New HFCs and Its Effects on System Efficiency;” “Combustion Analysis and Fuel Efficiency;” “Duct Design;” “Electronically Commutated Motors;” “Energy Auditing;” “Evergreen Motors: A New Technology;” “Green Awareness;” “Heat Pumps (Installation + Setup Equals Efficiency);” “Pressure Enthalpy Without Tears;” “Teaching R-410A;” “Seven Steps to Systematic AC Troubleshooting;” “Testing the First Steps in AC Maintenance;” “Thermal Imaging;” “Variable Frequency Drives;” “Zoning and Direct Digital Controls;” “ABC’s of Teaching: Accountability, Behavior, and Communication;” “Accountability (Accreditation, Assessment, Credentialing, Perkins Compliance);” “Distance Learning for HVACR - Blackboard Technology;” “Modular Training Programs;” “Raising the Bar with Signature Stories;” “Simulation Software to Effectively Teach HVACR;” “Teaching Customer Relations and Soft Skills;” “Trainers: Going Green in the Classroom;” “Unique Approaches for Student Recruitment;” and “Essential Attributes and Skills for Graduate Success.”

For more information or to register, call call 800-394-5268 or visit www.hvacexcellence.org.

Publication date: 02/23/2009