Hundreds of members of the Lehigh Valley's Independent Quality Alliance [IQA] enjoyed a tented smorgasbord together today, in celebration of the announcement of a newly established state-of-the-art Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration [HVAC/R] training facility on the Lehigh Carbon Community College Schnecksville campus.

IQA members and their suppliers donated state-of-the-art HVACR equipment for the LCCC facility that will allow all member employees and LCCC HVACR students access to these important hands-on training programs, taught by industry experts.

"All the member companies of the IQA are pleased and honored to partner with Lehigh Carbon Community College in this important educational effort. Both organizations realize that education and training form the foundation for the quality of life of individuals and communities. The Member companies of the IQA depend on well-trained technicians to maintain our quality service standards and our future growth. Given this partnership with LCCC, we now have the facility and the curriculum to provide the most up-to-date technical training in Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration," said Tom Grello, President of Tru-Comfort, Inc.

The IQA was created in 1997, and currently consists of ten regional service companies that have a common mission to set and uphold a standard for excellence and accountability in the heating, cooling, plumbing, electrical and related contracting industries used by Lehigh Valley, Delaware Valley and Pocono area homeowners and businesses. "Since the very onset of the IQA, my goal has been to establish an upgraded level of technician," said Gino Nicolai, President of Hannabery HVAC. "Through our partnership with LCCC, we are able to finally offer a degree in HVAC technologies that opens the field up to the most highly qualified and motivated people. Our cooperative educational program, which will be implemented in the very near future, allows for a "work and learn" scenario which will be excellent for those individuals who have lost their jobs through plant closings and down-sizing.

Last year, LCCC and the IQA formed a special advisory board to address curriculum, scheduling and course requirements for additional industry training needs. From board recommendations, the college created special programming offered at LCCC and Hannabery HVAC to supplement IQA members established skills training at their individual sites. It also allows LCCC and IQA to be leaders in establishing national skills standards that will enable students taking courses through the IQA program to receive college credit for the knowledge they have gained.

LCCC offers more than 100 accredited programs and countless community partnerships. "The college prides itself in finding innovative ways to partner with private industry to develop specialized programming that provides their employees a competitive edge," said LCCC President Don Snyder of the partnership. "Our programming is constantly evolving and molding to fit the growing work force training needs in our region. It allows our community to receive competitive training within the region, and our businesses to draw from local talent."

The IQA and LCCC will begin training in the facility immediately, offering courses in compressors, electricity, heating, motors, refrigeration, and soldering. For information on IQA courses, call 610-821-5299 or visit LCCC's website at www.lccc.edu or the IQA's website at www.theiqa.com.