Nine students from all different walks of life gather each week in Professor Paul Leonardi’s Monday night HVAC Apprentice 3 class, eager to learn about the HVAC profession, and begin their new (or second) careers. The four-year program at Camden County College has 156 classroom hours scheduled per year, as well as a required apprenticeship.
“As a retired Fire Captain from the City of Camden, I was able to complete my [first] career after 25 years of service. Camden County College is now preparing me for my second career. The training is excellent, and there are many job placement opportunities” said Miguel Ramos, a third year HVAC student who is now embarking on his second career as an HVAC Technician.
Topics covered during classroom instruction in the HVAC program include: fundamentals, safety, trade math, blueprint reading, trouble shooting, repairs, and much more. All registered apprentices who successfully complete the on-the-job and related training requirements are eligible to receive Certificates of Completion from both the U.S. Department of Labor and the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development.
Mason, also in his third year, acknowledges that that the HVAC program at Camden County College can “change lives by helping people to obtain their HVAC Certification and License, and provide for their family”.
Professor Leonardi’s students agreed that he’s a great teacher who encourages his students to bounce ideas off of him, and refuses to let his students fail. Professor Leonardi has been an Adjunct Professor at Camden County College for 30 years, and worked in the HVAC field for over 40 years before retiring this past Spring.
When asked what advice he would give to anyone seeking a career in HVAC, or returning to school after a break, Miguel said “you’re never too young to learn!”
Learn more about the HVAC Program at Camden County College at brushbird.bayouabox.com/program/heating-ventilation-air-conditioning/