EAST PETERSBURG, Pa. - The National Association of Oil Heating Service Managers (NAOHSM) has previously identified that many oilheat companies promote from within; however, they often promote an individual who has no prior management training. After two years of surveys and focus groups, the association worked with Penn State to set up a program that helps owners, managers, and lead technicians gain the education they need to move into management.

This program has four required core courses and two electives offered in New England and Pennsylvania or Maryland. Each class is two days long. A student can enter the program at any time and take it as long as they wish to complete its requirements.

Upon graduation, the student earns dual certificates: a certificate in Service Management from Penn State, and one from the National Oilheat Research Alliance (NORA).