HCTC training leads to full-time job following internship

Trevor Napier obtained an internship at Breeding Plumbing amp; Electric in Isom through Hazard Community and Technical College and funding through Eastern Kentucky Concentrated Employment Program, Inc. (EKCEP). The program is administered by LKLP Community Action Council. Shown here, from left, are Brian Fields and Liz Jones, LKLP Business Service Representatives; HCTC student Trevor Napier; and Doug Adams, HCTC Heating and Air Conditioning Program Coordinator.

Trevor Napier of Mayking wasn t sure of his life s path until Letcher County Area Technology Center vocational teacher Tom Dollarhide steered him into the Heating and Air Conditioning field of work. Napier knew he wanted a career that involved the outside and Dollarhide knew his interests.

Napier is thankful he heeded his teacher s advice and grateful for an internship he obtained through Hazard Community and Technical College and the college s partners because it led to a full-time job at Breeding Plumbing amp; Electric in Isom.

Napier, a student at HCTC studying air conditioning technology, was selected in October 2014 to take part in an internship program made possible through funding from the Eastern Kentucky Concentrated Employment Program, Inc. (EKCEP). The program, administered by LKLP Community Action Council, not only allowed him the opportunity to gain valuable work experience with a local employer in his field of study, but it also provided Napier with a salary during the internship period.

Doug Adams, Heating and Air Conditioning Program Coordinator at HCTC, recommended Napier for the internship because he had an impressive work ethic, good grades, and an ability to work well with others.

Tim Breeding, owner of Breeding Plumbing amp; Electric, decided to hire Napier as a full-time employee when the internship ended.

This program is a win-win opportunity for both HCTC students and employers, Adams said.

Liz Jones and Brian Fields, LKLP Business Service Representatives, said they were very happy the program was offered last October and they look forward to seeing more HCTC students benefit from future internships.

We have a great working relationship with HCTC, Jones said.

Napier, age 20, has already passed the KY HVAC License exam and will graduate in May from HCTC with a diploma from the Air Conditioning Technology Program.

I wouldn t be working in this field had it not been for this program and the excellent training I received from HCTC, Napier said.

Traci Nolen, Workforce Training and Development Coordinator for EKCEP, said internships can be a huge boost in helping college graduates get their foot in the door with employers and showcase their talents.

We are thrilled to launch HCTC graduates to employment after they finish their degree, Nolen said. It's the next step, and you shouldn't have one without the other. College degrees and internships are the right mix for employment success upon graduation.

Napier is ideal for his career because he is a people person and he likes being outside. I enjoy the pretty views and the new places, he said.

For more information about the Heating and Air Conditioning Program and other HCTC programs, call the Admissions Office at (606) 487-3216.