Eight Graduates Full First HVAC Apprenticeship Course |
Standing, left to right: Daniel Byrnes, Christopher Zilli, Andrew Keppler, Hassan Bias, and Stony Brook Local 614 President Carlos Speight; seated, John Lopez; not pictured, Kenneth Gifft and Joseph Lorio
In Spring 2020, a unique collaboration formed between the Electrical Training Center in Copiague, NY, and several Stony Brook University groups to build an HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning) apprenticeship program that would provide graduates with critical skills needed to serve the changing HVAC demands from both the university and hospital.
CSEA Local 614, through the State CSEA Partnership Program, worked in tandem with Stony Brook University’s Human Resources, Labor Relations, and Campus Operations and Maintenance teams to establish an apprenticeship program that would provide eligible Civil Service employees with the opportunity to acquire HVAC skills and experience needed in the workforce. Graduates earn a Grade 12 in the Service and Repair Mechanic (HVAC) title series.
“These positions are absolutely critical in providing necessities like heat, hot water, ventilation, air conditioning and electrical distribution to the entire university and hospital community,” noted Terence Harrigan, associate vice president for Campus Operations and Maintenance. “Through hard work and dedication, each of these graduates is now armed with an increased skill set to serve the changing needs and demands of the university and hospital.”
The following graduates started and completed the pilot program during the pandemic:
- Hassan J Bias
- Daniel Barrett Byrnes
- Christopher J. DeRosa
- Andrew Thomas Kepler
- John X Lopez
- Joseph K Lorio
- Michael Yee
- Christopher A Zilli
For more information, visit CSEA local helps create apprenticeship program for members or the Human Resources website.
