Written on: September 18, 2025 by ICM
The Pennsylvania Petroleum Association (PPA) is excited to announce a multi-year partnership with R.E. Michel Co. at the new Pennsylvania Petroleum Association Technical Education Center (PPATEC) trade school located in Grantville, PA. The 12,000+ sq ft facility will position PPATEC to offer more hands-on technical training solutions for individuals employed in the HVAC and energy industry.
PPATEC also operates a postsecondary career training program licensed by the State Board of Private Licensing Schools and is approved by the VA to accept GI Bill benefits. The 400 hour entry-level program offers industry-specific training to establish the foundational skills needed to begin a career in the HVAC and energy industry.
R.E. Michel Co. has committed to being a founding lab sponsor of the new PPATEC school. The 10-year partnership enhances the association’s efforts to expand workforce development initiatives for the HVAC and energy industry.
“We are excited to align with a market leader in the HVAC space with deep roots serving the heating oil and propane industry,” said Ted Harris, Executive VP at PPA.
“One of the largest challenges we have as an industry is attracting, developing, and retaining a skilled workforce. The partnership with R. E. Michel Company puts resources into our trade school to help combat that challenge, which is a win for contractors, wholesalers, and equipment manufacturers.”
“Our company is currently celebrating 90 years in business. We know the next 90 years will not be possible without supporting our customers’ needs to train the next generation of technicians,” said Chad McAllister, Director of Sales at R.E. Michel Co.
“We are committed to training at R. E. Michel Company. Partnering with PPA as a founding sponsor of their new trade school is a natural extension to ensure the industry is positioned for the future.”
One of the five labs at the new Grantville facility will be sponsored by R.E. Michel and feature company branding within the space. The partnership will incorporate utilizing equipment from the company’s product line at PPATEC to allow for hands-on technical training in addition to other synergies between the two organizations to maximize industry training offerings.
