Atlantic City Electric, Workforce Board to launch free HVAC apprenticeship in Cumberland, Salem and Cape May

Rochelle Dorsey of Atlantic City Electric told the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners that the utility and regional partners will launch a free four-year HVAC apprenticeship program beginning April 1.

"My name is Rochelle Dorsey and I'm with Atlantic City Electric," Dorsey said, adding that Atlantic City Electric will provide the first year of curriculum. Ronnie Tan, Atlantic City Electric's External Affairs Manager for Cumberland and Cape May counties, joined Dorsey in outlining the partnership.

Kristie DeLeonardo, Executive Director of the Cumberland, Salem and Cape May Workforce Development Board, accepted a ceremonial check on behalf of the board and said the program will run in the three counties. "We have a very, very long history with Atlantic City Electric," DeLeonardo said, and confirmed two class locations will be at the vocational school and a third at a private South Jersey technical school.

According to the presentation, Atlantic City Electric will cover the apprenticeship’s first year of training; the Workforce Development Board will fund years two through four and support placement into HVAC careers. Commissioners and attendees applauded the announcement and the donation.

The announcement said the program targets training demand in trades related to data centers and changing energy-sector work but did not provide enrollment caps, stipend details or an explicit schedule; those specifics were described as program logistics to be coordinated by the Workforce Development Board.

The board did not take any formal vote on the presentation itself. Next steps indicated by presenters include program marketing and registration; DeLeonardo said the Workforce Development Board will work with local partners to finalize site details.

The meeting then moved on to public comment and the regular agenda.