#online learning

Tech Tips:

Get (and Give) More From Remote Training

Most of the content in this article is based on Alex Meaney’s contribution to the HVAC School podcast in the October 2nd, 2020 episode: “How to Get The Most From Online Education,” which you can listen to HERE. Attending a class from your bedroom or home office sounds very convenient, right? That was probably what […]

Chris Hamilton

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HVAC School – For Techs, By Techs

Real training for HVAC ( Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration) Technicians. Including recorded tech training, interviews, diagnostics and general conversations about the trade.

Ruchir Shah joins the podcast to share his journey into HVAC education technology and the founding of SkillCat, a comprehensive training platform for skilled trades. As a five-time entrepreneur in educational technology, Ruchir’s path to HVAC was influenced by his earlier work studying the BP oil spill and developing training solutions for oil and gas workers. When COVID-19 hit and many skilled workers found themselves displaced, he recognized a broader pattern of declining income for blue-collar workers over the past 50 years, which led to the creation of SkillCat.

The discussion delves into SkillCat’s innovative approach to EPA 608 certification, making it more accessible and affordable at just $10 per month. Their platform uses phone-based testing with built-in security measures, achieving a 97-98% pass rate through comprehensive training. This system addresses traditional barriers like high costs, scheduling difficulties, and low pass rates that have historically made it challenging for people to enter the HVAC field.

SkillCat and HVAC School have started a partnership. This collaboration aims to transform HVAC School’s extensive content library into structured, accredited courses within the SkillCat platform. The partnership represents a marriage of HVAC School’s technical expertise and industry insights with SkillCat’s educational technology capabilities, making high-quality HVAC training more accessible and organized for both individual technicians and contracting companies.

Key Topics Covered:

SkillCat’s origin story and mission to make trades education more accessible
Revolutionary approach to EPA 608 certification testing and training
Development of simulation-based training across HVAC, plumbing, and electrical trades
Implementation of career pathing and progress tracking for technicians
Importance of applied learning in trades education
Features of SkillCat’s apprenticeship program
Integration of on-the-job assessments through the platform
The role of educational technology in addressing the skilled trades shortage
Continuous improvement approach based on user feedback
Affordability and accessibility of trades education through mobile apps

You can learn more about SkillCat by searching for it in the Google Play Store (Android) or App Store (iOS), or you can visit their website at https://www.skillcatapp.com/.

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