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Even though the economy continues to sputter with a level of unemployed and underemployed reaching 15.8% in May, Home-Tech commits to additional hiring of apprentices for it’s one-of-a- kind training program. The company continues to grow and hire because homeowners will always require the kind of service provided by Home-Tech employees. Home-Tech is looking for candidates to take part in the Apprenticeship Program, where they will learn how to become a quality air conditioning & appliance technician.
“These trades, air conditioning, appliance repair, plumbing and electrical services are getting a lot of respect from young people because they are recession proof,” says Steve Marino, founder of Home-Tech.
About the Apprenticeship Program
Home-Tech, Southwest Florida’s leading air conditioning, appliance, sales and service agreement provider, accepted Lee Wilcox into its Apprenticeship Program seven years ago. Wilcox has mastered all of the practical aspects of this highly skilled trade and recently was named Field Service Manager for the Sarasota/Manatee County office, which provides service to Sarasota, Venice and Bradenton. New apprentices will begin their education process as Wilcox did, by undergoing a rigorous 6 week “boot camp” program in the company’s in-house training facility, managed and supervised by Home-Tech’s full time trainer.
After completing the initial program, apprentices are assigned to a senior technician/mentor that they will ride with for 45 days before they begin to handle specific calls on their own. The apprentices continue their educational process during the first year for a total of 260 hours of training. From there they are required to complete continuing education classes. To become skilled tradesmen, who have mastered all of the complex skills necessary to provide elite service, requires years of continuing education and on-the-job training.
Wilcox says, “When I went out on my own, I did ‘clean and checks’ on air conditioning systems for the first year and was also in the classroom at least once a month, receiving continued training. My second year on the job, I was able to work on additional appliances. By my third year, I received recognition as an elite technician. I highly recommend this program. The opportunities to learn and grow are endless. It’s worked out great for me!”
“Our apprentices earn while they learn. In many ways our training program is better than a college education,” says Marino. “A free education is as good as gold. No experience is necessary. If a young person has “the right stuff” and a passion for knowledge, our apprenticeship program is a good investment for Home-Tech. We are looking for applicants who are at least 21, drug free, with a good driving record and no criminal record. The most important quality is a willingness to work hard and for as long as it takes. You have to earn your right to become a Home-Tech technician.”
Interested? Apply today!
About Home-Tech
Based in Fort Myers, employee-owned Home-Tech celebrates its 30th year in business as an industry leader and trendsetter in the fields of home service agreements, air-conditioning and major appliance sales and service. Founded in 1981 by Steve Marino, who continues as President and Chairman of the Board, the privately held company has 130 employees. Home-Tech provides service to Lee, Charlotte, Collier, Sarasota and Manatee Counties in Southwest Florida. Home-Tech’s headquarters, training facility and appliance showroom are located at 6400 Techster Boulevard in Fort Myers. A second office is located on Lena Road in Bradenton and serves Manatee and Sarasota Counties. For more information about Home-Tech, visit home-tech.com, find them on Facebook, or call (239) 433-3344.