Halco Home Solutions operates a dedicated Training Center to ensure the highest level of workmanship across HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and home performance services throughout the Finger Lakes. Through four NYS Department of Labor–approved apprenticeship programs, college partnerships, nationally recognized certifications, and paid continued education, Halco builds long-term careers while delivering exceptional results for homeowners.
Training Center
At Halco Home Solutions, ongoing education is foundational, not optional. Our Training Center ensures every technician working in homes across Rochester, Syracuse, Ithaca, Phelps, and the surrounding Finger Lakes communities has the hands-on experience, technical knowledge, and building science expertise required to perform at the highest level, especially in the older homes common throughout our region.
Structured coursework, paid on-the-job training, apprenticeship pathways, and advanced certifications allow both new and experienced team members to continuously improve their skills. This commitment ensures consistent workmanship, code compliance, safety, and whole-home system integration across HVAC, plumbing, electrical, ductwork, sheet metal, and energy efficiency services.
Four NYS Department of Labor–Approved Apprenticeships
Halco proudly operates four New York State Department of Labor–approved apprenticeship programs:
- HVAC
- Electrical
- Plumbing
- Energy Efficiency
These formal, long-term apprenticeship pathways combine paid field experience with structured classroom education. Apprentices work alongside licensed professionals during the day while attending required coursework during evenings or after hours to complete their trade instruction.
Halco partners with respected regional colleges to support apprenticeship education, including:
- Monroe Community College
- Tompkins Cortland Community College
- Finger Lakes Community College
For additional flexibility, coursework may also be completed through Penn Foster’s accredited online college programs.
This “earn while you learn” model creates a clear pathway from entry-level positions to fully licensed, highly skilled trades professionals. Each apprenticeship program supports eligibility for journeyman-level certification and long-term career advancement.
Journeyman Certifications
Because Halco’s apprenticeship programs are structured for mastery, participants are eligible to pursue Journeyman certifications in:
- Journeyman HVAC
- Journeyman Electrician
- Journeyman Plumber
- Journeyman Energy Efficiency
By aligning apprenticeships with journeyman credentials, Halco ensures technicians develop both advanced field expertise and formal trade recognition.
Building Performance & BPI Certifications
Since 2009, Halco’s Training Center has partnered with leading industry organizations such as the Building Performance Institute (BPI) and the Comfort Institute to advance whole-home energy performance education.
Halco team members earn and maintain certifications, including:
- Building Analyst Professional
- Building Analyst Technician
- Healthy Home Evaluator
- Cold Climate Air Source Heat Pump Assessor
- Envelope Professional
- Manufactured Housing Professional
These certifications strengthen Halco’s integrated, whole-home approach,ensuring insulation, HVAC, electrical, ventilation, and moisture control systems are designed and installed as coordinated systems rather than isolated components.
Internship Programs & BOCES Partnerships
Halco maintains strong, long-standing relationships with regional BOCES programs,particularly OCM BOCES, Finger Lakes BOCES, and Wayne BOCES, along with other area technical education partners.
Through these partnerships, students gain direct exposure to HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and energy performance careers while completing their formal education. Participants enter paid internship opportunities where they work alongside experienced Halco professionals in real-world environments.
Many students transition directly into one of Halco’s NYS Department of Labor–approved apprenticeship programs, building structured, long-term careers within the company rather than short-term employment.
On-the-Job Training Through NYSERDA Workforce Development (PON 3982)
Halco participates in the NYSERDA Workforce Development Program (PON 3982), a state-supported initiative focused on expanding and strengthening New York’s clean energy workforce. Halco is approved under this program across all company locations, a distinction that reflects our commitment to workforce excellence and energy performance leadership.
Through NYSERDA’s program, Halco provides structured, paid on-the-job training designed to strengthen technical competency in HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and energy efficiency disciplines. These customized training plans accelerate skill development while maintaining the high standards our homeowners expect.
Participation in NYSERDA’s workforce initiative reinforces Halco’s leadership in building science, insulation, geothermal systems, and cold-climate heat pump technology throughout the Finger Lakes.
Continued Education: Encouraged and Paid
Education at Halco does not stop after certification. We actively encourage and pay for continued education across all trades and disciplines.
Technicians attend night classes, complete after-hours coursework, participate in manufacturer trainings, and pursue advanced certifications throughout their careers. Whether it involves updated electrical codes, advanced HVAC diagnostics, geothermal system design, building envelope science, or emerging cold-climate heat pump technologies, Halco invests in ongoing professional development.
This culture of continuous improvement ensures that our team remains current with evolving technologies, codes, and best practices, while creating meaningful, upward career mobility within the company.
Halco Home Solutions continues to invest in its people so homeowners across the Finger Lakes receive knowledgeable, skilled professionals on every project. Whether you’re considering a career in the trades or hiring a team to improve your home’s comfort and efficiency, the Halco Home Solutions Training Center is one of the reasons we consistently deliver high-performance results.
