Pro-Tec completes office renovation to establish employee training center

Pro-Tec Plumbing & Air has completed an interior renovation of its Naples location to establish a new employee training center.

The renovated space includes new wood flooring, lighting, electrical wiring, tables suitable for multiple configurations and stations for employees to complete training courses and tests on computers. The room’s walls feature wainscoting, a television monitor, whiteboard and artwork displaying Pro-Tec’s six employee core values: commitment, success, teamwork, excellence, ethical and dynamic.

“Our Naples location is predominantly a parts warehouse and business office, but we needed a dedicated training space where employees can focus on improving their knowledge, skills and abilities,” said Pro-Tec President and Co-Owner Rick Hume, Jr. “Our new employees can complete their entire orientation and training modules in the new center, and even our veteran team members are using the space as they learn how to install and repair new equipment that we are offering customers.”

Pro-Tec, which serves residential and commercial customers in Collier, Lee and Charlotte counties, recently partnered with The Blue Collar Success Group to build a custom training program for plumbing and HVAC technicians, customer service representatives, dispatchers and other employees. The company also is using Interplay Learning’s online and virtual reality training program for technicians.

Additionally, Pro-Tec established the Pro-Tec School of Apprenticeship to train and develop technicians. The Naples-based company also established a new scholarship program with Fort Myers Technical College for students pursuing careers in plumbing or heating, ventilation and air conditioning/refrigeration.

“Employers, especially those in the trades, cannot expect new hires to step in on day one and be ready to contribute,” said Pro-Tec Vice President and Co-Owner Brandon Hume. “Southwest Florida’s labor market continues to evolve, and this training center is designed as an educational space for team members to enhance their skills under guidance of our more experienced team leaders.”