Alfred State College (ASC) is pleased to announce that the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) has approved a grant in the amount of $150,000 to the Research Foundation of SUNY and ASC for Workforce Development Through Refrigeration Training Enhancements. The program will serve 50 workers/trainees by the end of the project period.
In an effort to provide high-quality training in the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) program, the Research Foundation of SUNY and Alfred State will purchase and incorporate new refrigeration equipment in the HVAC workshop lab. This training will provide real-world simulation training in commercial-level equipment to enable students to advance in the field through all levels of the EPA-608 certification by developing residential and commercial service experience.
Jeffrey Stevens, dean of Alfred State’s School of Applied Technology campus, said, “I am very excited to be able to integrate this training into an already successful and prospering program. This will enhance and expand the employment opportunities for our graduates.”
Refrigeration maintenance and repair skills are in high demand across western New York, so this training will help meet this demand and help establish a well-trained workforce. Students will complete course work and train for certification at Alfred State’s School of Applied Technology campus in Wellsville.
In addition to ARC funds, local sources will provide $64,850, bringing the total project funding to $214,850 (or 30.2 percent from local funds and 69.8 percent from federal funds). Alfred State would like to thank the Southern Tier West board and staff members for their coordination of the ARC application and local review process.
