Apex Technical School, known for its strong legacy of training New Yorkers in the skilled trades, has long partnered with Ice Air to create pathways for students to enter the HVAC industry. Over the years, Ice Air has hired numerous Apex graduates, recognizing the school’s reputation for producing highly trained professionals, the press release said.

With the demand for skilled HVAC professionals on the rise, access to equipment is essential in order for students to gain practical experience. The SPHP units donated by Ice Air will be integrated into Apex’s training curriculum, allowing students to work with modern, high-efficiency heat-pump technology.

“At Ice Air, we believe in investing in the future of skilled trades,” said David Calderon, operations manager of Ice Air. “Apex Technical School has been a tremendous partner — our ‘first stop’ for the new hires for the work we do — and we’re proud to provide students with the tools and technology they need to succeed. Many of our best hires are Apex graduates.”

“Our relationship with Ice Air is fantastic,” said Charlie Sarno, building manager at Apex. “I’ve been here 17 years, and can tell you our students benefit from companies like Ice Air who have the interests of the students in mind through such donations. It’s a win-win all around.”

The partnership between Apex Technical School and Ice Air is a model for how businesses and educational institutions can work together to close the skilled labor gap and support economic growth, Ice Air’s press release said. For example, according to a Lumina Foundation report, a significant majority (around 87%) of businesses are currently experiencing a skills gap or are anticipating one in the near future. The report highlighted the critical need for collaboration between businesses and educational institutions to address this issue by developing tailored training programs, apprenticeships, and curriculum aligned with industry needs, the press release said.