Air-Conditioning students get first-hand look at new Air & Energy

(Bradenton, FL—April 8, 2016) Manatee Technical College air-conditioning, refrigeration and heating technology students visited Air & Energy’s new downtown Bradenton headquarters for a first-hand look at their chosen industry this week. MTC students were given the opportunity to learn from Air & Energy skilled tradesmen and talk to people in all different aspects of the business.

Owner Stewart Moon stayed with the students all morning. “It’s so encouraging to work with people that are excited to learn and are doing something with our trade,” Moon commented. “We offered positions and hope to see some good applicants. We’ve hired right out of MTC in the past and it has been a good experience. Happy to see so many great potentials in this class.”

Students also spent time talking with sales and technical representatives from manufacturer Trane, as well as with local vendors of tools, equipment, and accessories. A general contractor spoke with the students about how different trades work together.

“Collaborative education is a large part of MTC’s mission,” said Doug Wagner, director of MTC and Adult Career & Technical Education for the School District of Manatee County. “Collaborative education helps us meet the needs of our students and our community’s employers by producing highly skilled individuals.”

Air & Energy has supported MTC in different ways over the years. “Last year, Air & Energy donated and installed about $30,000 worth of new equipment at the main campus,” Moon noted. “Now we are getting students right out of school that already know the technology we work with.”

MTC instructor Brian Forbes said, “It’s an important part of our curriculum to expose the students to our local companies.” Air & Energy is already looking forward to doing this field trip again with next year’s class.