CareerEdge offers free HVAC technician training

CareerEdge and the American Vocational Academy have partnered on an initiative to address the growing demand for skilled HVAC technicians in the region. 

The North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton area has the fifth-highest concentration of jobs in the country for this occupation, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Sponsored by CareerEdge Funders, the program is available at no cost to applicants accepted into the program. CareerEdge is the workforce development initiative of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce.

Candidates may apply at CareerEdgeFunders.org. Space is limited, and students will be selected based on motivation, aptitude and potential to thrive in the HVAC field as determined by their applications and interviews with CareerEdge staff. Applicants must be at least 17 years of age and hold a high school diploma or GED.

Classes meet every Tuesday through Friday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 19 through April 23 at American Vocational Academy in Nokomis.

"CareerEdge is dedicated to creating opportunities for individuals to build successful careers,” said Dan Sidler, vice president of CareerEdge and Economic Development of the Sarasota Chamber, in a news release. “By offering tuition-free training, we aim to break down financial barriers and open doors to a brighter future for our participants.”

Program highlights include a comprehensive curriculum, experienced instruction, hands-on training, job placement assistance and soft skills training. For more details visit careeredgefunders.org or call 941-556-4045.