Building the Skilled Workforce of Tomorrow

Want to start a career in HVAC, energy auditing, or insulation right here in Central New York? Fred F. Collis & Sons has kept Mohawk Valley homes comfortable since 1936. Now we are opening our doors to the next generation of skilled technicians!

Our training center offers hands-on training and certification prep across three in-demand trades: HVAC, energy auditing, and insulation and air sealing. We work with both individuals and organizations across Central New York. You do not need experience to begin. You just need the drive to learn a trade that pays well and stays in demand.

If you want to become an HVAC technician, earn a new industry certification, or move your team’s skills forward, this is a place built to help you get there.

A Regional Leader in Building Performance and Workforce Development

Our training center focuses on building performance, energy efficiency, and skilled trades education. We prepare people for real careers in HVAC, weatherization, insulation, and home performance.

The work happens in real labs with real equipment, taught by people who do this work every day. That is the difference between reading about a furnace and standing in front of one. Here is what you can expect to find at our education center:

• Hands-on HVAC training labs with modern equipment
• BPI certification prep and testing
• Insulation and weatherization training
• Energy auditing instruction
• Home performance courses
• Workforce development programs for individuals and employers

BPI Training & Testing

We are a trusted provider of Building Performance Institute (BPI) training and certification testing. BPI credentials help contractors, energy professionals, weatherization specialists, and building analysts prove their skills in the home performance industry. Our BPI programs include:

• Building Analyst Certification Preparation 
• Building Science Fundamentals 
• Energy Auditor Training 
• Home Performance Assessments 
• Diagnostic Testing Procedures 
• Blower Door Testing 
• Combustion Safety Testing 
• Air Sealing & Insulation Best Practices 

Why BPI Certification Matters in New York

A BPI credential is nationally recognized and carries real weight in our state. Home performance contractors in New York are required to have BPI-certified Building Analysts on staff to take part in the Home Performance with ENERGY STAR program. BPI certification also helps companies qualify for state and utility rebate programs, including New York’s EmPower+ program. For an individual, that adds up to stronger job prospects, more credibility, and greater customer confidence. For a current HVAC professional, adding home energy auditing is a way to offer a new service and reach more customers.

Hands-On HVAC Training Lab

Our HVAC classroom and lab give you real-world practice on modern heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. You learn by doing, using the same equipment and diagnostic tools you will see on the job. This is where the basics click into place. You get comfortable with the parts, the readings, and the troubleshooting steps that make a good service technician. Hands-on training covers:

• Residential HVAC Systems 
• Heat Pump Technology 
• System Diagnostics 
• Airflow Analysis 
• Refrigeration Fundamentals 
• Equipment Troubleshooting 
• Energy-Efficient HVAC Solutions 
• Building Performance Integration 

Insulation and Weatherization Training Lab

Our insulation lab teaches building envelope improvements and weatherization techniques that lower energy costs and improve comfort. Insulation and air sealing work together, and this is where you learn how. Training topics include:

• Air Sealing Techniques 
• Insulation Installation Best Practices 
• Thermal Boundary Assessment 
• Moisture Management 
• Attic and Crawl Space Upgrades 
• Building Envelope Performance 
• Energy Conservation Strategies 

Energy Auditing & Efficiency Training

Energy efficiency is at the core of everything we teach. An energy audit shows a homeowner exactly where they are losing energy and money. Our energy auditing training teaches you how to find those problems and recommend fixes that pay off. You learn to perform thorough energy audits that help homeowners and businesses make smart decisions about upgrades. Energy audit training covers:

• Home Energy Assessments 
• Utility Bill Analysis 
• Diagnostic Testing 
• Data Collection & Reporting 
• Energy Modeling Concepts 
• Improvement Recommendations 
• Return-on-Investment Analysis 

Home Performance Training

Today’s energy-efficient homes require a whole-house approach. Our home performance training teaches professionals how all building systems interact to affect comfort, health, safety, durability, and energy use. By the end, you understand how a small change in one part of a home can affect the whole system. That is the kind of thinking that sets a strong technician apart. Key topics include:

• Whole-House Building Performance 
• Indoor Air Quality 
• Ventilation Strategies 
• Moisture Control 
• Energy Efficiency Improvements 
• Comfort Optimization 
• Health & Safety Considerations 

• Building Durability

Workforce Development Training

Our workforce development programs prepare students, technicians, contractors, and career changers for high-demand careers in the skilled trades and energy efficiency sectors. What you gain:

• Hands-on technical training
• Industry-recognized certifications
• Career readiness
• Continuing education opportunities
• Employer-focused skill development

We partner with businesses, workforce agencies, schools, and community organizations to strengthen the regional workforce. The goal is simple. We want to build clear pathways to good, lasting careers right here in Central New York.

For employers: If you need to train new hires or upskill your current team, talk to us. We can help you develop a workforce that is ready to work and ready to grow.

Who Should Enroll

Our training programs fit a range of people:

• New to the trades. Recent high school graduates and anyone looking for a fresh start. No experience needed.
• Career changers. People who want steady work, good pay, and a skill they can rely on.
• Current HVAC professionals. Technicians who want to add a certification, sharpen their skills, or move into home performance work.
• Contractors and teams. Companies that want trained, certified staff who meet program requirements.

Count on Collis for HVAC Training in Central NY

For nearly a century, families across the Mohawk Valley have trusted Fred F. Collis & Sons to keep their homes comfortable. We are proud to put that same experience to work training the technicians of tomorrow. If you are ready to start your HVAC training in NY, we would love to talk with you. Whether you are an individual planning your next step or an employer building a stronger team, we are here to help.

Call us today at (315) 768-2323 or contact us online to learn more about our training programs, class schedules, and enrollment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need experience to start?

No. Many of our programs are built for beginners and career changers. You bring the work ethic, and we teach the skills.

Why train for an HVAC career in New York?

HVAC is one of the most reliable trades you can learn. Every home and business in New York needs heating in the winter and air conditioning in the summer, so the work is always there. Jobs across the state are projected to keep growing, which means new openings for trained technicians. There is also room to move up. You can start as a service technician and grow into specialized or lead roles, or even run your own business. For many people, it is a faster and more affordable path than a traditional college degree.

What certifications do I need for an HVAC career in New York?

A few matter most. EPA Section 608 is the starting point. Federal law requires it for anyone who handles refrigerants, and most New York job postings ask for it. BPI certifications cover building performance and energy efficiency. They are valued across New York and are often required for rebate and ENERGY STAR work, and our programs prepare you for the BPI certification exam. NATE certification shows advanced skill with systems like air conditioning, heat pumps, and heating. It is a good way to stand out as you grow. When you finish a Collis program, you earn a certificate of completion and the preparation to pursue the matching certification.