Page 84 - Southern Oregon Magazine Summer 2021

feature | education

Advanced Air apprentices training at Advanced Air and Metal

participating companies. Jones likens the potential of MPACT to a barn community’s diverse technical needs.” As such, Advanced Air encour-
raising, where cooperation makes possible an overwhelming task. ages all of its employees to complete either the sheet metal or HVAC/R
program and pays 100% of their apprentices’ tuition and professional
Advanced Air is a local employer partnering with the Medford School development costs. Wages are scaled on the local journey rate, market
District and the Joint Apprenticeship & Training Committee (JATC), compensation for a program graduate, and pro-rated on the percent-
facilitated by RCC, to provide employment and career opportunities for age of apprenticeship completed. Participants enter the industry to gain
talented young people entering the construction industry. Apprentices experience and earn a living, but have opportunities to grow into sales,
need field experience to advance in their apprenticeship. Advanced Air administration, management, distribution, and more, without the bur-
employs participants who enjoy working with their hands and minds. den of student debt. Other local companies are also willing to invest
“Ambitious youth, who may not be interested in college, can do really in young people, setting both the apprentice and the company up for
well in the trades, earning a fantastic income and developing valuable sustainable growth and long-term success.
lifelong skills,” says Randal Lee, COO. He started working construction
as a teenager, proof that field experience can lead to rewarding career The Medford district recently entered into a partnership with Crater
opportunities. Advanced Air’s corporate vision is to “add value to our Lake Electrical Apprenticeship Center, an International Brotherhood of
team through professional development.” He adds, “In order for a com- Electrical Workers approved electrical apprenticeship training center
pany to develop, grow, and thrive, it must invest in each individual. The that offers four-year paid apprenticeships in the Southern Oregon
outcome will be a smarter, more responsive team capable of serving the region. BOLI requires that apprentices be at least 18, have earned a

82 www.southernoregonmagazine.com | summer 2021