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August Winners
In August, we asked HVAC instructors to share their best strategies for kicking off the new school year. The responses were full of creative ideas to keep students engaged and set the tone for success in the lab.
We’re excited to announce our two winners! Each will receive a Back to School Survival Pack, an iConnect Training banner, and a $50 gift card.
Thank you to everyone who joined in and shared their classroom strategies. Stay tuned for more opportunities to win and spotlight your teaching ideas!
Garrett Sheflett, Instructor at Lincoln Tech in Charles Town, WV
As an HVACR instructor, he has found an immense amount of joy and fulfillment being a part of his student's journey into this amazing field. iConnect Training products allow him to give them real life scenarios. With the constant evolution of the industry, he can imagine that iConnect Training trainers will easily be upgraded as equipment changes occur.
With classroom sizes ranging from 20-30 students, the ice breaker I employ is something I call "Class Reporter". The students pair off and ask a series of questions ranging from "Why did you choose HVACR?" to "Who is your favorite musician?" then the students present the information to class. Most folks don't want to speak about themselves in front of a new group of people, but they do not seem to mind speaking about someone else. Plus, the students get to know one another and find similarities between them all.
Megan Margarum, WFD Coordinator at Craven Community College - Volt Center in New Bern, NC.
As the HVAC Coordinator at a community college, her role is to ensure her instructors have the resources, tools, and industry connections needed to deliver high-quality, hands-on training. Their current iConnect Training units already play a tremendous role in their program by allowing students to safely learn troubleshooting, wiring, and diagnostic skills on systems that mirror what they'll encounter in the field. These trainers give instructors the ability to demonstrate complex concepts clearly while giving students the confidence to practice before moving onto live equipment. Expanding their access to iConnect Training products would build on this success-enhancing instruction, aligning with industry expectations, and better preparing students for the workforce. With the combination of strong industry partnerships and effective training tools like iConnect Training, they are able to set both their instructors and students up for success.
My best strategy for kicking off the new school year is ensuring our instructors have the tools and support they need from day one. I prioritize securing the correct materials, supplies, and equipment so classes can run smoothly without interruption. At the same time, I strengthen our partnerships with local HVAC employers and industry leaders, making sure instructors have current insights into workforce needs. This way, our team feels confident, prepared, and connected and ready to deliver training that not only benefits our students, but also aligns with the demands of the community we serve.
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