Turning His Co-op Into a Career
Post-grad plans include full-time employment in HVAC/R trade for Clark Ambrosino – May 18, 2020
Clark Ambrosino of Upton is a senior in our Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration program (HVAC/R), and an employee at Ace Temperature Controls in Worcester through our cooperative education program. Also known as co-op, this structured learning method combines a student's classroom-based training with actual work experience and academic credit for the job experience. Resolutely, Clark's post-graduation plans now include full-time employment with this company as an HVAC Service & Installation Technician.
"Consistent with our focus on trade employment, our co-op program had more than one hundred industry placements during the 2019-2020 school year," said Superintendent-Director Dr. Michael F. Fitzpatrick. "These paid internships in the private and public sectors involved some one-third of the graduating class."
As a freshman, Clark knew that college was not for him and wanted to pursue a trade that he would enjoy. He said, "I learned through Freshman Exploratory that in the HVAC/R trade every day is different, and you can be working on a variety of projects, and that's what I loved about it. I also liked Plumbing and Electrical, but HVAC/R has both plus more."
Clark first learned about this co-op opportunity with Ace Temperature Controls through his shop teacher. He explained, "I was the first student from BVT to work for this company, so positively representing my school was important. I chose to work hard, hoping to obtain full-time employment. Now at the age of 18, after working towards that goal, I've been offered that opportunity. A full-time position with a company van that is waiting for me to start after graduation. I am excited!"
“Clark was looking for a cop-op where he could apply the skills that he learned in our shop, and Ace Temperature Controls was looking for a skilled technician,” said Joshua Dunton, HVAC/R Vocational Instructor. “I suggested that Clark apply for the open position. I am so proud of his work ethic and dedication to the trade.”
Clark explained that for him, BVT means a head start and the ability to support himself through his trade. "I want other students to know that if you work hard at BVT and put your mind to it, anything is possible."