According to Associated General Contractors of America, the downward trajectory of skilled construction and maintenance workers will continue to grow due to a shortage of proficient employees entering the fields.

To highlight the diverse career choices in the Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning (HVAC) industry, Ulster BOCES HVAC students recently toured the energy-efficient Kelder Building training facility on the SUNY Ulster campus and heard from a "green" industry expert.

William McKnight, Sr., CEO of Energy Conservation Specialists, spoke to the students about whole-house energy assessments, how to identify a building's energy shortfalls, controlling air leakage by installing insulation, and demonstrated methods used by professional energy auditors to determine a home's airtightness.

HVAC student Derek Lane from Saugerties High School foresees himself pursuing a career in the industry. "I see a trend towards more energy-efficient buildings, and to be successful in this industry I think you have to learn more about those types of systems."

To learn more about this program and other skilled trades programs go to ulsterboces.org.