After nearly three years working as a museum tour guide, Nick Ward was ready for something different. He had known since high school that he wanted to work with his hands, but he had not settled on a career.
That changed when he joined Robertson Air Conditioning as an apprentice through Workforce Solutions Gulf Coast’s work-based learning program.
“I decided to choose the apprenticeship because I wanted to learn something new,” Ward said. “I was tired of the same things over and over again.”
Learning by Doing
When Nick started at Robertson AC, he did not have much experience with HVAC work. He said he initially struggled to see how he could contribute because he was still learning the basics.
Five months later, he is more comfortable handling certain tasks on his own, including work involving condensers and electrical components.
“I’ve gained some value here in the company just because I’ve been allowed to work on certain things on my own,” Ward said.
For Michael Robertson, one of the company’s owners, bringing on an apprentice was also an opportunity to receive support with the cost of training a new employee.
Robertson said the company learned about Workforce Solutions’ On-the-Job Training and work-based learning programs and saw a good fit. Workforce Solutions helped support the hiring and training process, including after Nick joined the company.
A Career Close to Home
Nick now sees himself staying with Robertson AC and continuing to grow in the trade.
“I see myself growing longterm here just because I feel like this is a sustainable career path for me,” he said.
He enjoys the people he works with and the opportunity to build a career in his hometown. What began as a decision to try something new has turned into a job he can see himself doing for years to come.
Robertson said the program has also been beneficial to the company’s hiring pipeline. He encouraged other employers interested in apprenticeship or On-the-Job Training programs to give them a try.
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For Nick, the opportunity has given him something he was looking for after leaving his previous job: new work to learn, skills he can continue developing and a career path he wants to pursue.
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