Pathways Out of Poverty Success Story

Gerard Sabolek came to Private Industry Council’s Pathways Out of Poverty program in early April, 2010. Gerard was familiar with Private Industry Council of Westmoreland/Fayette, Inc. because his son was enrolled in a Summer Youth Work Experience program through the agency. Gerard had past work experience in HVAC and some Solar Power experience in another state. However, when he moved to Pennsylvania to care for an elderly parent and to raise his son on his own, it became difficult for him to obtain employment. His struggles continued as his knowledge in HVAC became dated and his barriers increased to include lack of transportation, child care, or the necessary tools and equipment to find employment in his field.

Gerard came to the Pathways program with a desire to find his place in the modern world of “Green Energy” employment. He knew that although he had past experience in HVAC and Solar Energy, his skills were outdated. Gerard was also a little bit concerned about his age and whether he would still be able to physically perform the heavy labor of his past experience in HVAC, which included installing and removing furnaces.

Gerard was a model participant in the program. He attended all training programs and workshops he was scheduled for, including Energy Readiness, Basic Computer Classes and OSHA Safety, while also caring for his mother and son. The program offered assistance to help offset his travel costs and other expenses to allow him to attend these courses and improve his skill sets.

Gerard was always willing to learn. He went on to attend Green Advantage and Solar Installation training and succeeded to the top of each class. When interviewed about the program by a local college paper he stated, “There are so many things that are different in the industry today from 30 years ago when I started. The biggest change is that the prices of photovoltaic panels have dropped and efficiencies have gone up.” Gerard also said the classes inspired him to research ways to start his own solar installation business in southwestern Pennsylvania.

After completing his training through the Pathways Program, Gerard went on to interview with several companies in the area. Although he was not hired right away, Gerard remained optimistic. After speaking with a Pathways Case Manager and Job Developer about opening up his options for employment, he was ready and willing. One employer, George R. Smalley Construction, Inc. was looking for a HVAC Energy Management Technician. Gerard interviewed with the company and was hired. He started the position on November 16, 2010 under the PIC’s Pathways Out of Poverty On the Job Training program. His starting wage was $18.00 an hour with travel expenses paid by the company.

Gerard became part of the company’s Energy Management Team, travelling throughout several northeastern states installing and maintaining energy efficient climate control systems in commercial buildings. Gerard’s experience in conventional residential heating and cooling systems, along with his strong work ethic, have proven to be effective building blocks contributing to his success in the Smalley Company’s green energy management division. The systems Gerard installs allow companies to regulate, as well as constantly monitor, their energy usage in multiple locations from a single computer control point, resulting in reduced energy consumption and costs.

Gerard’s On the Job training program was completed in January 2011 and he is now in follow-up and retention. Company President, George Smalley says Gerard has mastered a number of new green job skills in challenging work conditions that often involve prolonged exposure to the elements.
Mr. Smalley says he expects Gerard to play an integral part in the company’s new solar division. Gerard’s technical skills will also be deployed in several green lighting retrofit projects.

In February 2011, Gerard was advanced to team leader with a wage increase. Gerard is also continuing to increase his skill set by attending a BPI Audit class. He will be bringing this additional ability to his new employer, which will help the company increase its capacity to perform Green Energy Audits in the local area.