(BRECKENRIDGE, Texas) – Licensed plumbers and heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) technicians in West Texas sometimes have to travel hundreds of miles to earn their required continuing education units for license renewals.
Texas State Technical College is providing an opportunity to take the required classes closer to home. TSTC’s Breckenridge campus will host a one-day workshop for license renewal on Friday, Sept. 15.
“I have talked to a lot of our industry partners in both plumbing and HVAC in West Texas, and they are excited TSTC is offering this one-day workshop in our area,” said Cindy Brunett, TSTC’s director of Workforce Training and Continuing Education. “Many licensed plumbers and HVAC technicians have to travel to the Dallas area to complete their license renewal training.”
The plumbing course is approved by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners. It is open to anyone needing to renew their apprentice, inspector, journeyman, master plumber or tradesman license. Licenses must be renewed each year, according to the board’s website.
The Texas eight-hour HVAC course is required by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. The TSTC workshop is approved by the board and will cover several topics. Technicians are required to complete eight hours of continuing education each year.
Brunett said holding the workshop in Breckenridge is the first step in an effort to hold more required trainings in West Texas.
“The best part about the continuing education training for plumbers and HVAC technicians is that it is totally mobile,” she said. “We are planning to have the same training offered in Abilene in the spring. The Sweetwater campus will also host the training for people who would like to come in from the Midland area.”
TSTC is offering funding for the Breckenridge classes, Brunett said.
“We have funding available for small businesses in the area,” she said. “If you are a business owner with less than 100 employees, you will be eligible to apply for the funding.”
For more information about the class or funding availability, email Rebecca Hargus at rebecca.hargus@tstc.edu.
