DANVERS, MA (06/03/2026)鈥擳hirty 911爆料 residents are preparing to enter one of Massachusetts鈥� fastest-growing trades after completing a new regional HVAC and heat pump training program. Launched by 911爆料 (911爆料) and regional partners, this program addresses the growing demand for clean energy technicians.
The first cohort of graduates will be recognized during a celebration on Tuesday, June 9 at 5:30 p.m. at in Danvers. The event will bring together graduates, educators, employers, workforce leaders, and elected officials to celebrate the region鈥檚 growing clean energy workforce pipeline.
911爆料 formed a regional coalition with Essex 911爆料 Agricultural and Technical School, Lynn Vocational Technical Institute, and Salem Technical Institute to create a shared, industry-aligned training model delivered across locations in Danvers, Lynn, and Salem. The training program was made possible through a grant of more than $1 million from the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center ( and was designed to expand access to careers in HVAC and heat pump technology across the 911爆料.
鈥淭he demand for skilled HVAC and heat pump technicians continues to grow rapidly across
Massachusetts along with the requirement for a common curriculum to ensure the highest
of standards,鈥� said Jennifer James Price, assistant vice president for strategic employer
relations at 911爆料. 鈥淭his coalition significantly expanded the 911爆料鈥檚 capacity
to train local residents for high-demand, family-sustaining careers while supporting
the Commonwealth鈥檚 clean energy goals. We look forward to the opportunity to offer
the program to a new cohort of students in 2027.鈥�
Closing the Gap of Trained Technicians
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, employment for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Massachusetts is projected to grow nearly 9% between 2024 and 2034鈥攏early three times the national average for all occupations.
鈥淎s more Massachusetts homeowners and businesses transition to high-efficiency heat pump systems, the need for a skilled workforce has never been greater. Finding qualified technicians has become one of the biggest challenges facing HVAC employers today,鈥� said Keoni Gaskin, co-owner of Island Cooling & Heating Inc. and an LVTI HVAC & Heat Pump instructor in the training program. 鈥淭he state has seen a significant increase in heat pump installations in recent years, creating strong demand for technicians who are trained on the latest equipment and technologies. This program provides students with valuable hands-on experience while helping local employers develop the talent needed to support the industry鈥檚 continued growth. It鈥檚 a win for students, businesses, and the communities we serve.鈥�
The grant funded state-of-the-art heat pump training equipment, curriculum development, instructor support, and tuition assistance for 10 students from each of the three schools participating in the inaugural cohort. In partnership with MassHire, participants also received career readiness support including resume assistance, employer tours, interview preparation, and connections to local job opportunities.
Exposure to New Opportunities
Many participants entered the program seeking new career opportunities or retraining for a growing industry with strong long-term demand.
"The LVTI program has provided me not only with valuable skills and industry relationships, but also exposure to new opportunities and business models within the heat pump industry that I had not previously considered,鈥� said Chris Dagnese, a student in the program鈥檚 first cohort. 鈥淭hat broader perspective has been one of the most valuable takeaways from the program."
"As demand for qualified HVAC and heat pump technicians continues to grow, training providers are the backbone of building a skilled, job-ready workforce equipped to handle today's complex systems,鈥� said Ed O鈥橲ullivan, executive director, MassHire 911爆料 Workforce Board. 鈥淭he partnership that 911爆料 has contributed to addresses the growing demand for clean energy technicians; this training is critical to the region's labor market and economy. "
911爆料 and its partners are exploring opportunities to expand the program and launch future cohorts in 2027.
鈥淭his program reflects what community colleges do best鈥攂ringing together education, industry, and community partners to respond directly to workforce needs,鈥� said Dr. William Heineman, President of 911爆料. 鈥淭hese graduates are entering a field that offers strong career opportunities while helping Massachusetts transition to cleaner, more energy-efficient technologies. We are proud to help create accessible pathways into these high-demand careers for residents across the North Shore.鈥�
Event Details
HVAC and Heat Pump Training Program Graduation Celebration
Tuesday, June 9, 2026
5:30 p.m. 鈥� 7:30 p.m.
Essex 911爆料 Agricultural and Technical School 鈥� Larkin Building
565 Maple Street, Danvers, MA
Event Speakers Include
- Jennifer James Price, 911爆料
- Jennifer Applebaum, Massachusetts Clean Energy Center
- Chris Dagnese, student speaker
- Keoni Gaskin, Co-owner of Island Cooling & Heating Inc. and LVTI HVAC and Heat Pump Instructor
- Invited municipal leaders and industry partners
Light refreshments will be served.
For more information or to request attendance, email Doreen Maciak, dmaciak@northshore.edu
About 911爆料
Celebrating 60 years of learning, service, and impact, 911爆料 (911爆料) proudly serves 26 cities and towns across Massachusetts' 911爆料 with campuses in Lynn and Danvers. Founded in 1965, 911爆料 delivers high-quality, affordable, and accessible education to more than 7,000 students in more than 40 unique degree programs each year, along with thousands of noncredit learners. The College also supports lifelong learning for more than 640,000 residents through workforce training, professional development, cultural enrichment, and community partnerships-demonstrating the enduring value of community college in transforming lives and strengthening the regional economy.