Since its establishment in 2016, National HVAC Tech Day has been recognized by the ACCA to honor HVACR technicians. This year, Al Fagundes, founder and owner of A. Fagundes Plumbing & Heating Inc., is celebrating the skilled professionals who ensure homes and businesses remain comfortable throughout the year.
He is also looking toward the future of the trades through a Student Co-Op Program designed to inspire and develop the next generation of HVAC technicians.
Since 2012, Fagundes has partnered with Massachusetts’ vocational technical high schools to engage in a student co-op program.
For A. Fagundes Plumbing & Heating, this partnership serves as more than just an internship pipeline; it is a mission-driven investment in the future of the trades and the local community.
The program welcomes qualified juniors and seniors who meet their school’s academic and attendance criteria.
When selecting candidates, Fagundes looks beyond grades, prioritizing students who demonstrate responsibility, initiative, and involvement outside the classroom.
Participants rotate between school and fieldwork, spending several months alongside experienced technicians.
These students do not merely shadow; they actively contribute. From installing water heaters and ductwork to learning how to communicate with clients on job sites, participants gain hands-on experience that develops both technical and soft skills.
The purpose of the program is to show students that there are multiple paths to a stable and rewarding future.
As the skilled labor shortage continues to affect industries across the country, Fagundes believes it is more important than ever to raise awareness not only about the career potential in HVAC, plumbing, and heating but also about the responsibility employers have to nurture that talent.
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