Avivo to train adults for wage growth and high demand careers in HVAC

In partnership with CenterPoint Energy and the Regional Apprenticeship Training Center in Minneapolis, Avivo will be launching its newest career training program – Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Installation and Maintenance Training – this year. Training will be offered at no cost for eligible students, and students receive stipends and support services during the course. Avivo is working with other training partners to recruit students who are low income, underserved residents or who identify as black, Indigenous or people of color.

“This is an exciting training, as the HVAC job market is high-paying and has quite a few openings right now. Companies are hiring,” shares LaCresia King Lennick, director of the Avivo Institute of Career & Technical Education. “Many people in their first job make $40,000 or more, and those salaries rise quickly as workers gain experience.”

“This is an exciting training, as the HVAC job market is high-paying and has quite a few openings right now. Companies are hiring.”

LaCresia emphasizes that because this training is available at no cost and includes a stipend, it offers individuals with low incomes the opportunity to make a switch to a life-changing career. The course includes skills training in design repair, installation, and maintenance of HVAC systems. Students will receive both classroom and hands-on training for residential, multi-family and commercial buildings.

“When students graduate, they’re ready to be hired immediately,” shares LaCresia. “They’ll have an in-depth knowledge of furnaces, air conditioners, and boilers, and be prepared to earn important industry certifications like the State of Minnesota Special Engineers Boiler Operator License and EPA Section 608 refrigerant handling certification.”

“When students graduate, they’re ready to be hired immediately … They’ll have an in-depth knowledge of furnaces, air conditioners, and boilers, and be prepared to earn important industry certifications…”

After graduation, students may work with Avivo’s career counselors who help people not only with their job search, but mentor students in other areas, like managing finances, family stability, mental health resources, and more.

LaCresia is excited about the interest Avivo’s business partners have in hiring program graduates.  Avivo’s Business Partner Council is a network of employers and professionals committed to strengthening Minnesota’s workforce and communities. They serve as training advisors and engage students in informational career sessions and practice interviews or help them write resumes.

For more information about Avivo’s HVAC and other training programs, visit the Avivo Institute of Career & Technical Education page.

Training is offered in partnership with Northgate Development LLC, Renewable Energy Partners, and Project for Pride in Living, with project funding from CenterPoint Energy.