ABCO HVACR Supply + Solution’s Boston branch hosted its 12th Annual Vocational Day, and its EXPO & Holiday Party on Thursday, December 13, at its 10 First Ave., Somerville branch distribution center.

At the Vocational Day starting at 9:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., nearly 300 Somerville and greater Boston area students attended from 13 high schools and trade schools, plus principals, vice principals, guidance counselors and teachers.

ABCO acquainted and engaged the area’s students and educational community with heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVACR) manufacturers and contractors about the broad array of available rewarding careers and opportunities.

Peter Donati, ABCO Regional Vice President, said, “Our Vocational Day has introduced thousands of young Bostonians over the years with a ‘golden ticket’ to great careers. With 50% of HVACR professionals who keep our food safe and our homes comfortable expected to retire in the next ten years, we see – and love to show – the next generation all the tremendous opportunities for advancement in our field. Personally, my greatest reward is reuniting with so many young HVACR professionals who thank us for introducing them to the field five, ten or more years ago. But there are so many more fabulous career opportunities still to come.”

Besides ABCO, representatives from 18 corporate sponsors and vendors were on-hand to interact with the students, including Reznor, Emerson, Mars Comfortaire, JB, US Motors, Mitsubishi Electric, Luxaire, Copeland, Chemours, Bohn and Heatcraft.

ABCO Boston also hosted a free EXPO and Holiday Party for HVACR professionals, starting at 12:30 p.m. and running to 4:00 p.m. The EXPO also featured an extensive line-up of HVACR manufacturers’ representatives, plus free lunch, giveaways and raffles.

Peter Donati added, “As always, our goal is to enjoy spending time with our ABCO family, our partners in HVACR contracting, manufacturing and educational instructors and facilitators. Learning, food, fun, friendship and some great giveaways, what’s not to like? It all comes wrapped in our thanks and appreciation.”

— Photos courtesy of ABCO