After emigrating from Romania fifteen years ago, Ionel M. began a career in the hospitality industry. However, as a new parent, he realized the demanding schedule of the restaurant business wasn’t conducive to raising a young child. He says he had been thinking about earning his HVAC certification for years but couldn’t find the time to take the leap.
Ionel learned he qualified for financial assistance via the Boca Helping Job Training Program to receive training at a BHH partner school. In August, he started the HVAC program at Palm Beach State College and passed his first module with a near-perfect score. In May, he earned his Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certification – a requirement for technicians to demonstrate their knowledge of HVAC chemical laws.
He looks forward to finishing his training and hopes to own his company in the future. “HVAC has a bright future, and the field itself is revolutionizing its technology. I’ll be continually learning,” he said.
Supported by the Community Foundation For Palm Beach and Martin Counties, our HVAC program is one of 11 free job training programs we offer to the community.
