Energy Air, Inc. Celebrates Fourth Year of Training Program with Graduation Ceremony

ORLANDO, FL, May 04, 2011 (Press-News.org) Thirty-eight students took the spotlight as they were called on stage to accept their graduation certificate at Energy Air's fourth-annual Florida Air Conditioning Training (FACT) graduation on April 22, 2011.

A graduation ceremony is held each year for the company's in-house skill and safety training program. Students are presented with certificates for each FACT level completed. The management team and numerous peer instructors along with 38 students and their significant others celebrated with dinner prior to the ceremony.

The evening was kicked off with an inspiring and, at times, comical speech by pastor and former Orlando Predators wide receiver, Herkie Walls.

Walls' message was centered on two key terms - commitment and conviction - something he expressed each of the graduates possessed. It was evident the attendees were pumped through the robust sound of applause, numerous standing ovations and multiple "Amens" yelled out from the crowd.

In addition to the announcement of each graduate, special awards were presented to those with perfect attendance in each class level. The coveted Charles Kulp award, an award named after Energy Air president, Charles Kulp, was presented to students with the highest grade point average in each level.

The ceremony concluded with a speech given by Kulp, who gave credit to the success of the FACT Program to Philip "Critter" Crider, Energy Air senior vice president, who is responsible for the initial concept, launch and regular oversight of the program.

"I love this man," said Crider, as he addressed attendees and thanked Kulp for his support of the FACT Program and the team.

The FACT program teaches all aspects of HVAC skill and safety and was launched in 2007. The classes are free for Energy Air employees and occur every Tuesday and Thursday from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. September through April.

The curriculum was originally developed and taught by 27 in-house instructors in both English and Spanish. These same instructors evaluate course content regularly and implement changes as needed for improvement or updating based on code changes or implementation of innovative means and methods.

History of the FACT Program:

When the leaders of Energy Air, Inc. couldn't find the type of training they felt they needed to develop skilled workers, they were left with nothing other than to create their own in-house school. The FACT Program was developed after the search for a program that would adequately train the field team kept leaving the owners empty handed and disappointed. After their final and failed attempt - a request that material be added to the existing Air Conditioning Contractors of America program - the leaders of Energy Air decided to take the leap and develop their own in-house school. This training program fills the gaps left in most other training programs that are available for HVAC and includes a strong focus on commercial HVAC and safety.

The curriculum covers all aspects of HVAC in both English and Spanish, including the following: Introduction to HVAC, Mathematics, Blueprint Reading, Personal Protective Equipment, Lifting, Communications, Mechanical Code, Specifications, CPR/First Aid, Emergency Response, Tools, Fiberglass, Metal and Exhaust Duct, Piping, Controls, Heating and Cooling Design, Scheduling, Rigging, Fire and Smoke Dampers, Equipment/Curbs, Air Distribution and Voltage.

About Energy Air

Energy Air's mission is to be the leader of the HVAC industry through professionalism, knowledge, superior performance, outstanding service to its customers and a commitment to employee development to better serve the community.

Energy Air, Inc. has offices in Orlando and Tampa and offers commercial HVAC services throughout Florida in the following market segments: Education, Healthcare, Multi-Family/Mixed-Use, Religious, Retail, Office, Hospitality/Entertainment, Government and Industrial. The company's residential division works with builders on planned communities, custom homes, town homes and multi-family complexes and with homeowners for service/repair, replacement, system enhancement and planned maintenance.