Learn from leaders in your field–from your community! Instructors at PPATEC have decades of experience in the field. PPATEC instructors have completed many master craftsman certifications and have held various positions over the courses of their careers. We are proud to work with them to help teach and support the next generation of HVAC and energy industry professionals in our region.
Mike Elmer joined PPATEC as a full-time instructor in November 2023. He brings over 20 years of field experience working for a leading contractor in the South-Central PA region as a lead troubleshooting technician. Mike now serves as the primary PPATEC instructor for air conditioning, electrical, heat pumps, plumbing, gas heating, and HVAC installation offerings.
Alan Mercurio has over 30 years of industry experience in various roles including service technician, equipment sales, and service manager. Today, he is an industry author, consultant, educator, trainer, and proctor. He holds certificates as a Master Technician in the State of Pennsylvania, Silver certificate from the PPA, NORA Gold Certified, and is EPA Certified by the VGI Training center, as a type I and type II Air Conditioning Technician. He’s the past president and founder of the Susquehanna Valley Chapter of OESP (Formerly NAOHSM) and is on OESP’S Education committee and a sub-committee for NORA.
Gary Nouse brings over 40 years of propane industry experience, having worked for multiple marketers and suppliers since 1981. He began in entry-level roles—coating DOT cylinders, working as a service/installer technician, and driving a bobtail—and has since held nearly every position in the field. Aside from leading the propane training program at PPATEC, Gary also serves as a technical liaison for Hiltz Propane Systems and provides consulting services for jurisdictional propane systems through GLN Safety, LLC. This comprehensive background gives him a complete understanding of propane operations and safety. Gary currently serves in a leadership capacity in multiple propane industry trade associations. He uses his extensive hands-on experience to deliver practical, safety-focused training that resonates with students at all levels.
Norm has spent over three decades as a state trooper, including 25 years as a sergeant assigned to the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Unit. His primary areas of focus included directing officers engaged in roadside inspections, commercial vehicle accidents, and hazmat incident investigations. Norm has also served as an Associate Staff Lead Instructor for the National Training Center in Washington, D.C. The National Training Center is the education branch of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration responsible for training both state and federal roadside inspectors throughout the United States.
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