Latest Cohort of NYCHA’s Heating Plant Technician (HPT) Program Graduated March 28

On March 28, the 15 most recent participants in NYCHA’s Heating Plant Technician (HPT) Trainee Program formally completed their studies and graduated, marking a significant milestone toward the clean energy careers they are ambitious to build. The program, which is funded by Con Edison, is a collaboration of CUNY’s New York City College of Technology (City Tech), NYCHA, and the Public Housing Community Fund (PHCF).

The six-month HPT Trainee Program combines classroom lessons and on-the-job training, focusing on heating systems, mechanics, and maintenance. Trainees spend three days per week shadowing NYCHA heating professionals and two days at City Tech for instruction. Each trainee was paired with a mentor, a seasoned Heating Plant Technician or Supervisor, to provide guidance and feedback.

“The Heating Plant Technician Trainee Program lays the groundwork for NYCHA residents to pursue viable careers in the critical, in-demand field of clean energy,” said NYCHA CEO Lisa Bova-Hiatt. “We cannot thank our partners in this program enough for investing in the long-term success of NYCHA residents, and we extend our sincere congratulations to the graduating cohort, who will surely go on to accomplish great things.”

“The Heating Plant Technician Trainee Program is an amazing resource that helps NYCHA residents become future leaders at the Authority,” said NYCHA Chief Operating Officer Eva Trimble. “Current NYCHA leaders graduated from a previous iteration of this program, and I’m thrilled to bring this opportunity back for our residents. While the graduating trainees have received both comprehensive classroom instruction and hands-on experience in the field, our investment in them is not over, as we will continue to support them as they hone their skills and look to them to support future cohorts in the pursuit of their own successful futures at NYCHA.”

“The NYCHA HPT Program represents a commitment to giving NYCHA residents the tools and training they need to pursue green careers while also being part of a meaningful push to prioritize environmentalism within NYCHA itself,” said Executive Director of the Public Housing Community Fund Alex Zablocki. “As an organization that strives to empower NYCHA communities, whether through career training opportunities, environmental education, or community-building initiatives, we are grateful to be a part of this important program. We congratulate this cohort of graduates for their hard work and accomplishments and thank our partners at Con Ed, City Tech, and NYCHA for stewarding the initiative.”

“Through City Tech’s partnership with NYCHA, we’ve designed a program that meets the demands of an evolving workforce while reflecting on the lived experiences of NYCHA residents citywide,” said Shermira Busby, who is the Director of the Business and Industry Workforce Training Center at City Tech. “The Heating Plant Technician apprenticeship shows what’s possible when workforce training is aligned with NYCHA’s operational needs and enriched by mentorship from seasoned Heating Plant Technicians. We’ve contextualized the curriculum to reflect NYCHA’s real-time infrastructure and sustainability goals, ensuring that trainees are equipped to actively contribute to NYCHA’s clean energy future. The HPT apprenticeship model demonstrates the power of intentionally investing in community-based talent to advance workforce equity and environmental progress.”

“Congratulations and best wishes to the graduates,” said Hilary Ayala, Director of Charitable Giving at Con Edison. “We proudly support the next generation of skilled workers who will help build and maintain the complex energy systems needed to meet the demands of New Yorkers.”

“I was excited to have the privilege to work with my mentor and learn about boiler systems and safety protocols,” said HPT Trainee Kevin Chavez. “My mentor fostered an environment where questions were always welcomed no matter how small. Understanding the intricacies of boiler systems prepared me to be successful in the heating field for the future of my career.”

Graduates have earned professional certificates from City Tech and are eligible for the NYC HPT civil service exam. Many will receive job offers from NYCHA as Heating Plant Technicians, helping to maintain NYCHA’s housing infrastructure.

The next cohort will begin in the summer of 2025. For more information, visit https://opportunitynycha.org/.