IMTI in Waterbury, CT, Introduces Solar 'Green Jobs' Training Programs

July 20, 2011 - PRLog -- At a press conference held today, Wednesday, July 20, 2011, executives of IMTI-Industrial Management & Training Institute in Waterbury, CT (www.IMTIUSA.COM) announced two new “green jobs” training programs for solar energy professionals. Marcel Veronneau, IMTI CEO, commented, “I’ve been chasing these solar professional training programs for two years. Now, we’ll be able to get more technicians on the road in new jobs. This is all about new jobs for technicians and job opportunities for U.S. Veterans.”  IMTI unveiled their new 40-hour Introduction to Photovoltaic Design and Installation, a NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners) approved program for certified solar PV (electrical) installers. IMTI also introduced their new 24-hour, 3-day Solar Thermal Certification Course that focuses on the basics of code-compliant hot water systems, installation and trouble shooting for plumbers and HVAC mechanics, qualifying them to apply their training to future ‘green jobs’. Successful completion of this Solar Thermal course qualifies licensed plumbers and HVAC mechanics to take their State of Connecticut Solar Thermal exam.

IMTI is a technical institute located at 233 Mill Street in Waterbury, CT. Founded by Marcel Veronneau in Waterbury in 1986, IMTI, with a satellite technical school in Long Island City, New York, has been successfully training electricians, plumbers, electronic systems and HVAC technicians in current technologies and job skills. All IMTI programs are career-oriented with classroom curriculums that include education as well as hands-on industry skills training. IMTI is approved by The State of Connecticut, The National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER), and Licensed by the State of New York, and accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges. Veronneau stated, “IMTI is open seven days a week. We offer day, evening and weekend in-classroom courses, including Continuing Education courses for licensed plumbers and electricians.”

Marcel Veronneau, commented, “Today we are unveiling programs that we initiated in October 2010. These programs are designed with economic development and creation of ‘green jobs’ in the forefront of our minds, including America’s Vets. We are helping Connecticut contractors effectively keep up with the growing demands for use of green technologies in every business arena across the United States.  Green energy is now, and in every aspect of building into the future for masons, carpenters, electricians, plumbers, lead abatement specialists, and other trades people. The demands are high and increasing daily for thousands of properly trained and certified technicians in all commercial and private building arenas. All our training programs are designed to serve independent contractors and all trade unions across Connecticut and into New England and New York State.”

In a recent interview, Veronneau explained, “A typical residential solar PV system costs approximately $40,000 and could be eligible for up to a $12,000 Federal tax credit and a per Watt incentive of $8,750 from the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund. The homeowner’s net cost would then be under $19,000 and  payback on the project is just under five years. With a solar thermal hot water system, the homeowner can reduce the cost of domestic hot water by up to 70%. Hot water typically accounts for up to 25% of a homeowner’s annual energy cost. A residential solar thermal water heating system will cost a homeowner approximately $5,400, and can pay for itself in less than five years, and the same state and federal incentives can apply. Many people don’t realize it but they pay two bills for their electricity every month. One bill is paid to their power company and one bill to the transportation carrier of the energy, a cost that averages $.10 to $.12 to $.15 per kilowatt. Solar power eliminates that carrier cost which significantly reduces the costs of heating and lighting a building on a month-to-month basis. This adds up to a sizable return on the investment into solar power for heating and lighting of residential homes as well as commercial buildings.”  

Sponsored in cooperation with the Waterbury Regional Chamber, the July 20 event featured opening remarks of gratitude and admiration for IMTI’s ambitions by Lynn Ward, Chamber President and CEO. Ward stated, “The Waterbury Regional Chamber’s Board of Directors and members acknowledge IMTI’s long standing presence in the City of Waterbury, and their help in educating our workforce here in Waterbury, throughout Connecticut and beyond.” Additional speakers included Senator Joe Markley, and former Connecticut Governor John Rowland, Waterbury Regional Chamber Economic Development Coordinator. Attendees included Senator Rob Kane, Rob Michalik from Congressman Chris Murphy’s office, Representative Sean Williams and Joe Rodriguez from Senator Richard Blumenthal’s office. Steve Gambini from the City of Waterbury Mayor Michael Jarjura’s office presented IMTI with a Citation.

During the event, attendees learned about the construction and effectiveness of a solar panel PV heating system from IMTI Solar Instructors Charles Veronneau, Solar PV, and John Stronkowski, Solar Thermal. They explained how the system is built, how the panel units are hooked together, and how this combination reduces the amount of power needed on the operational grid system. IMTI President Janice Shannon closed the presentation by inviting attendees to the IMTI building rooftop overlooking the City of Waterbury for a ribbon cutting ceremony and to see the operational solar panel array, which includes a battery for storage of excess energy generated by the system, and currently lights and heats the new third floor classroom facility of the IMTI technical institute year-round.

To date, IMTI has provided the solar thermal certification training to nearly 50 licensed plumbers and HVAC mechanics, allowing them to take their Connecticut State License exam. Approximately one half of those individuals received funding through the Bridgeport Workforce Investment Board, (The Work Place), by applying for funding through the incumbent worker training program.

For more information on IMTI technical training programs, visit IMTIUSA.COM or call 203-753-7910 in Waterbury, Connecticut.