WE PAY STUDENTS TO LEARN THE HVAC & PLUMBING TRADES FROM NO EXPERIENCE...
The Star Tech
Academy Vision
J.R. Elmer, the President of American Vintage Home, wanted to create a training program that would change people’s lives in our community. He saw that the barrier to entry into the HVAC and Plumbing fields was too high while at the same time, there were not enough good technicians to go around. He decided a new approach was necessary to get people with enormous potential into the trades: pay them to learn. With this vision in mind, he created Star Tech Academy.
At Star Tech Academy, students are paid to learn full-time, Monday through Friday, 7:30am – 4pm for six months. We offer two programs a year – one starts in the spring and the other in the fall. Only one term of six months is required before gaining a full-time position at American Vintage Home.
Students learn install, service, maintenance skills for both heating and cooling seasons in that six months, as well as interpersonal communication skills. Star Tech Academy is a truly unique opportunity for students to learn HVAC or Plumbing from the ground up while getting paid.
Star Tech Academy is located at 2124 Ashland Ave, Evanston, IL 60201. It is an entire dedicated building with dozens of air conditioning, furnace, boiler, plumbing, and drain stations for students to disassemble and inspect. We want students to get their hands on as much equipment as possible before they are in the field.
Our Curriculum
During six months of full-time, dedicated training, students will learn an array of HVAC or Plumbing skills as they complete the curriculum via classroom lessons, hands-on training with equipment, video tutorials, field training, and working directly with the instructor (all while getting paid). They learn install, service, and maintenance skills as they work toward successfully becoming a HVAC and Plumbing service professionals. Furthermore, after graduation from the program in good standing, students have a guaranteed job waiting for them at American Vintage Home.
Our Lead Instructor
Cornelius Muszczynski, Lead Instructor at Star Tech Academy, has worked in the HVAC industry for more than 20 years. In that time, he has installed, repaired, and maintained rooftop units, split systems, mini split systems, boilers, steam boilers, HVAC controls, hydronics, radiant heat systems, SpacePak units, geothermal heat pumps, water source heat pumps, and more.
In 2013 Cornelius found his true calling when he began training other technicians in the installation, maintenance, and service of heating and cooling systems. Cornelius’ expansive experience in the industry coupled with his patience and genuine care for others makes him an ideal technical trainer. In 2022, Cornelius helped design and build the Star Tech Academy facility and work stations. His students love him and describe him as helpful, knowledgeable, and approachable.
OUR PLUMBING TRAINER
Dave Danciu is a licensed plumber who leads the American Vintage Home plumbing department and oversees the development of our plumbing Star Tech Academy students. With nearly a decade of experience in residential, commercial, and industrial plumbing, Dave brings a wealth of knowledge to his role.
Not only does Dave bring crucial real-world expertise to the classroom, but he also encourages students to do their best work, and motivates technicians to work as a team. As students venture into the field, Dave continues to function as a mentor, guiding them as they build their industry knowledge and confidence.
Benefits as a student
After Graduation, As an HVAC or
plumbing Technician:
Join Our Academy!
We open our online application about two months before the next class is set to begin, so look for it in early February or August on the American Vintage Home Indeed page. Until then, we are happy to answer any questions you may have.
If you are interested in learning more, please contact us.