Employee Training Institute

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 26, 2007

CONTRACTING FIRM, COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT
TEAM UP TO CERTIFY 10 HVAC WORKERS

SAN DIEGO, CA -- Ten universally trained HVAC service and maintenance technicians will graduate from an on-site, customized training program on Wednesday, June 27, and go to work at full-time jobs the next day with Design/Build Tenant Improvements (DBTI) of San Diego.

The technicians enrolled in a special four-month, company-sponsored training program developed by the San Diego Community College District’s Employee Training Institute (ETi). The training, partially funded by the San Diego Workforce Partnership, prepares HVAC techs to perform a variety of specialty services that improve company response time and customer satisfaction ratings. Participants began their rigorous training with the understanding that upon graduation, they would be highly employable. DBTI, a family-owned construction firm that maintains its quality standards largely by providing apprenticeship training and advancement in the skilled trades, hired every trainee. Leadership recognized the need for trained HVAC techs, and sought the community resources to make that training happen.

"This is a highly unusual program," says Robin Carvajal, director of ETi and the San Diego Workplace Learning Resource Center (WpLRC). "Rarely does a company invest upfront to train prospective employees, follow through with the hiring, and do so at a rate that beats the average wage. It’s a reflection of the company’s commitment to excellent customer service and a quality workforce." "Design/Build chose to work with the College District’s ETi because it partners with City, Miramar, Mesa Colleges and Continuing Education campuses to meet the diverse needs of businesses and workers who need training," Carvajal continued. "In this case, we tapped City College’s HVAC expertise, collaborating with an instructor who has more than 20 years’ experience in the field."

This customized training emphasized competency in broad applications including fabrication of sheet metal duct work, testing and repairing environmental systems, complying with legal regulations, and performing preventative maintenance. These technicians are capable of performing independent routine HVAC quarterly inspections and maintenance of standard systems.

The San Diego Workforce Partnership awarded DBTI more than $44,000 in training funds, about 33 percent of the total cost of training. Design/Build covered remaining costs.

Trained HVAC technicians are in demand in San Diego and nationwide. Design/Build engaged in the program to create its own certified workforce. The 10 new employees are well on their way to qualifying for jobs in which journeymen earn more than $25 per hour.