NexTech Academy Graduates Bring their Best

In 2018, NexTech Academy launched as a comprehensive technical training resource for Nexstar Network members. Since then, the program – with vested support of the Nexstar membership – has graduated close to 1,000 technicians in the HVAC, plumbing, and electrical trades. That’s quite a milestone for an online training platform that’s designed to help an employee with minimum trade experience become a confident and competent technician!

We were recently inspired by three NexTech graduates: J.C., Justin, and David. These trades professionals made their mark by trailblazing through the training curriculum while completing hundreds of hours toward their technical and soft skills development. Read more about their successful journeys – from graduation to running calls in their own trucks – below.

Meet J.C. Newman, A/C Technician at Roscoe Brown

J.C. Newman completed the air conditioning path of NexTech’s immersive HVAC curriculum at Nexstar member-company Roscoe Brown. The program includes technical hands-on learning, as well as soft skills training (his favorite).

“My NexTech training was pretty enjoyable,” J.C. offered. “I loved how, during our courses, the videos brought in the psychological skills we need for the customer-facing part of the job. We also spent time perfecting our soft skills, such as customer service, helping to put a customer at ease, and learning how to ask good questions.”

J.C. says he is grateful to his employer, Roscoe Brown, for the opportunity to learn and grow, and he is already paying it forward by mentoring two junior helpers who shadow him on calls. Read more about J.C.’s story here.

Meet Justin Brock, Plumbing Technician at Warner Super Service

Just over a year ago, Justin Brock saw an alert for a plumbing apprenticeship pop up as a job notification. Intrigued, he pursued the opportunity through Warner Super Service in Oxon Hill, MD, and now, he’s plumber! This ambitious, knowledgeable, and resilient technician graduated through Warner’s in-house NexTech training program and already has his sights set on adding another tool to his toolbelt: he’d like to become an HVAC technician, too.

In offering advice to those interested in a trades career, Justin highlights what he appreciates about the field. “Plumbing is a fascinating enterprise. No day is ever the same, and it’s a way to earn a great living and be self-sustaining.”

Read the complete Q&A with Justin here.

Meet David Ciechanowski, HVAC Maintenance Technician at Deljo Heating & Cooling

Congratulations to David Ciechanowski, Deljo Heating and Cooling’s very first NexTech Academy graduate. David completed more than 400 hours of comprehensive technical training, soft skills development, and hands-on learning to earn his HVAC Maintenance Technician title.

The best part of David’s job: serving those customers who rely on him. “I get excited when I hear positive customer feedback. And, giving customers a solution the same day and fixing their HVAC issues is rewarding.” Read more about David and his milestone at Deljo here.