Five of the graduates were winners of the Robert V. Boltz Scholarship. Three of the graduates had served in the U.S. armed forces and were able to use GI Bill benefits to offset tuition.

The majority of the students were employed or had received job offers prior to graduation, according to a press release from the Pennsylvania Petroleum Association (PPA).

PPATEC, part of the PPA, offers hands-on technical training for the HVAC and energy industries. The PPA is a not-for-profit trade association representing more than 475 stakeholders. PPATEC is a post-secondary, entry-level career training institution licensed by the State Board of Private Licensing Schools.

PPATEC launched its 10-week HVAC & Energy Professional Program in 2022. Since then, new graduates have routinely enjoyed multiple employment offers, often graduating on a Friday and going into a new career the following Monday.

According to Don Mumma, PPATEC’s director of training and workforce development, there is a shortage in Pennsylvania of more than 2,000 HVAC and energy technicians, jobs with an average annual salary well above $50,000.

“We’re glad to play a role in preparing these — and other — young men and women for family-sustaining careers in an in-demand field,” Mumma said.