Ask Russell Moore if he likes his job, and you’ll immediately see a smile and hear him say “I love my career.” Without prompting, and without a fade in his smile, he’ll happily share how he found himself in need of a reliable job in the middle of a pandemic, and how a friend helped point him in the direction of a career in HVAC and Triad Goodwill.
“I wanted to work regardless of what was going on in the world”
After being laid off from his long-time job as an AV Technician for a local event venue in early 2020, Russell was looking for a job that was reliable and needed regardless of what was happening in the world. His childhood friend, who is an employee of Occupancy Heroes told him about Triad Goodwill’s new HVAC NATE Certification program.
Russell enrolled in the 6-week training program in June of 2020 and received his NATE Certification in July of 2020 and was hired upon receiving his certificate.
“The classes are short, and the instructors are flexible,” Russell explains. “They understand that many people attending the classes are also working, so the instructors work with you and your schedule to ensure you learn what you need to be successful.” He shares that the class has a small, friendly, family feel.
Upon receiving his certificate, Russell worked in the field for a month and a half and was then presented with an opportunity he couldn’t pass up.
“I wanted to learn, and was ready to learn, and now I can learn while I’m helping others”
‘Russell is now the lead instructor for Triad Goodwill and Occupancy Heroes HVAC NATE Certification program at the Triad Goodwill Career Center in Greensboro. Each month, Russell teaches students the fundamentals of HVAC in a hands-on classroom.
“There are so many different opportunities within the HVAC industry from welding to electrical,” explains Moore. “The more you learn, the more you can secure yourself within the industry, you just need to be willing to learn and be willing to grow.”
Russell credits his success to his drive to learn. He shares that while he was in the field, he took every opportunity to learn a new skill or technique from his peers and superiors. “If someone asks ‘do you want to learn how’…I would always say yes.”
He views his current career as an instructor as an opportunity to continue to learn and internalize the material he is teaching. “My book knowledge will help me when I’m out in the field- this is a great marriage of book experience and hands-on expertise.”
When asked about working within the walls of Triad Goodwill and working alongside their employees, Russell left us with thought:
