FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 7/3/2017

Rusty Cunning, Marketing Manager

One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning

704.885.4590

rusty.cunning@onehourair.com

SHARING CAREER OPPORTUNITIES WITH THE RELATIVES ON RAMP PROGRAM

Charlotte, NC: One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning® of Charlotte, presented a discussion on HVAC career opportunities to participants of The Relatives On Ramp program. This presentation was part of ongoing community engagement activities for One Hour Heating & Air.

Mike Fowler, owner of One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, On Time Electrical and DinoDry Waterproofing companies, shared his own story of a self-determined effort to apply himself and accomplish his goals with a group of young adults at The Relatives On Ramp downtown facility. “I had two goals for today” said Mr. Fowler. “One was to provide some inspiration for these young people, to let them know that there are real opportunities to have a satisfying career in the trades industry. I also wanted to let them know that our doors are open, that we’re actively recruiting for people to enter our apprenticeship program. We not only have job opportunities within our company, we have career opportunities.”

Joining Mr. Fowler was Paul Stefano, the company’s General Manager, and Josh Allen, Lead Trainer and Technician Supervisor. Mr. Stefano and Mr. Allen each have over 20 years’ experience working with Mr. Fowler. “Paul and Josh both starting working with me in entry level jobs and have applied themselves 100%. They are now key employees and part of the leadership of this company,” Mr. Fowler explained.

The majority of the presentation and discussion centered on the company’s training and apprenticeship program. The plumbing, heating and air conditioning repair industry has a need for qualified technicians to meet demand. There are community college programs available, but Mr. Fowler started his own technician training and apprenticeship program in 2015 as a way to get air conditioning repair technicians trained and ready work with more hands-on experience than offered in other programs. “We found that graduates of most training programs were not really ready to work on their own, that we had to provide additional training to get them up to speed. So we developed our own air conditioning repair courses that give people the practical hands-on training – in addition to the technical knowledge. It works so well that we are able to put our graduates to work right away” says Mr. Fowler. “And not only do we not charge for the training program, we guarantee our graduates a job.”

The Relatives is a Charlotte, NC based organization providing a variety of services to help children and young adults find shelter, access to education, and crisis support. The Relatives’ On Ramp Resource Center provides help and direction for 16 to 24 year old young adults in Mecklenburg County make a successful evolution to being an independent adult. They focus on education, housing and employment.

The relationship between One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning and The Relatives On Ramp program demonstrates how mutually beneficial partnerships can help enhance entire communities. The Relatives is a resource for people in need of direction and support. One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning provides training and career employment opportunities in a strong trade industry that relies dedicated people to service the needs of the community.