James Welch instructs students on the technical and critical skills needed to explore a variety of career options in HVAC-R at Fortis Institute
Cookeville – Fortis Institute in Cookeville (Fortis) Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVAC-R) program instructor James Welch has been awarded the D. Brian Baker Memorial Scholarship. The coveted scholarship provides an all-expenses paid trip to Las Vegas, Nevada to attend the 2023 National HVACR Education Conference in March.
Created in memory of D. Brian Baker, a dedicated HVAC-R educator and advocate for continual professional development, the memorial scholarship ensures instructors remain current on new trends and approaches to the trade. Welch was one of two recipients out of hundreds who applied for the sholarship, according to Fortis.
“This is a major win for Fortis Institute in Cookeville as Welch will be able to share the resources and tools learned at the conference with his own HVAC students while encouraging continual academic and professional growth even after graduation,” Fortis told the Upper Cumberland Business Journal (UCBJ).
Welch will be able to network with fellow experts, learn about new and emerging technologies and gain a better understanding of the future of the HVACR industry.
“It’s an honor to receive such a thoughtful and meaningful award,” said Welch. “Not only does this scholarship allow me to discover the industry’s newest technologies, but it also enables me to expand my educational techniques so I can provide students an elevated learning experience.”
At Fortis Institute in Cookeville’s HVAC Program, Welch instructs students on the technical and critical skills needed to explore a variety of career options, including owning and operating HVAC businesses. Through a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on training, the HVAC Program helps prepare graduates for entry-level HVAC employment.
“This award reaffirms James’ strong commitment and dedication to continuing his professional growth and becoming a more effective educator for his students,” said Fortis Institute in Cookeville President James Williamson. “We look forward to having him return from the conference and sharing his newly-acquired skills with us.”
The D. Brian Baker Memorial Scholarship is sponsored by The Council for Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Educators (CARE) and HVAC Excellence. Additional information about the conference and the scholarship is available at escogroup.org/hvac/nhetc/default.aspx. Fortis Institute in Cookeville offers a wide range of campus-based programs.
For more information, visit www.fortis.edu/campuses/tennessee/cookeville.html.
Photo courtesy of www.escogroup.org/hvac/nhetc/default.aspx.
