ARC Mechanical, an HVAC contractor, recently received over $14,000 in grant funding from the Vermont Training Program (VTP).

With this grant funding, ARC Mechanical will focus on employee training in areas of plumbing, HVAC, gas training and sheet metal fabrication.  Training will be done through professional development and apprenticeship programs at Vermont Technical College, New Hampshire School of Mechanical Trades, Mitsubishi Electric, and Granite State Trade School.

“Operating a business like ARC requires a high level of knowledge and expertise in many facets of the mechanical industry,” said Human Resources Manager Brenda Oakes.  “With the skilled labor shortage, ARC believes that investing in apprentices with a strong interest in the field and a passion for learning allows us to ‘grow our own.’  The additional education in plumbing, heating, ventilation, air conditioning refrigeration and sheet metal as a result of this grant helps achieve the goal of having an independent and knowledgeable employee who provides excellent customer service and quality workmanship for our customers.”

The trainings will help expedite the timeframe for employees to feel both comfortable and confident in their job duties. In addition, new skills can translate to new market opportunities for the company.

“ARC Mechanical continues to advance its employees’ knowledge and training for the career ahead of them.  The result is a satisfied customer base that goes back 70 years.  We are happy to be able to support this through VTP,” said Joan Goldstein, Department of Economic Development Commissioner.

Bob Haynes, Executive Director at Green Mountain Economic Development Corporation added that ARC is a prominent mechanical contractor in the region (Vermont and New Hampshire) and a key employer in the Upper Valley and Bradford specifically. “They have great careers and security for well-trained and motivated workers. This is a wonderful program for all concerned.”