A Partnership Set to Train the Next Generation of Industry Technicians
Automated Logic, a leading provider of innovative building-management solutions and part of Carrier Global Corporation, reinforced its strategic affiliate partnership with Laurel Technical Institute (LTI) with leaders visiting campus and meeting with students. The visit comes more than a year after the partnership was formed to elevate trades education and address the growing demand for skilled workforce talent. By combining industry-leading climate and building automation technologies with Laurel’s hands-on training programs, this collaboration directly targets the modern skills gap in the heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) and electrical sectors.
As smart buildings and energy efficiency reshape the landscape of commercial and residential infrastructure, the trades field now requires technicians who are as proficient with software as they are with mechanical tools. The partnership bridges this gap by outfitting Laurel’s campuses across Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and South Carolina with cutting-edge building automation systems (BAS). This integration provides students with direct exposure to commercial-grade control ecosystems, elevating the baseline standard for regional technical education.
“There are companies that plan and commit to the long game,” says Dr. Douglas Decker, Executive Vice Predicant of Laurel College of Technology and Laurel Technical Institute, “and they understand that they have to be in front of potential students early so they have access to talent and workforce pipeline that enable them to have the capacity to take on jobs and move forward. Automated Logic is one of those companies. They are willing to put in the time to speak with students early in their education, they help build and plan effective curricula, and they show up when invited. That’s important to us, and it’s incredibly important to our students.”
For Laurel’s graduates, this affiliate partnership acts as a fast track to high-demand careers. Students train directly on proprietary technologies used worldwide, earning industry-recognized credentials from Carrier and ALC alongside their diplomas or specialized degrees. This advanced training ensures graduates are field-ready on day one, capable of diagnosing complex electrical and mechanical issues using data networks rather than relying entirely on physical inspections.
Highlighting the active nature of the partnership, representatives from Carrier and ALC conducted an immersive site visit to speak directly with students. Industry experts hosted an interactive session focused on ALC’s signature WebCTRL® building automation system, a web-based platform that allows technicians to manage a building’s climate, lighting, and energy consumption from a single interface.
During the presentations, representatives outlined current recruitment pipelines, emphasizing openings available for technicians who understand the automated software. The discussions also explored upcoming market trends, such as the rise of predictive maintenance, high-efficiency heat pumps, and data-driven troubleshooting in response to shifting global energy regulations.
“Bringing industry leaders into the classroom changes the game for our students,” said Justin Caldwell, Regional Director of Trades at Laurel Institutes. “This partnership isn’t just about putting names on a syllabus; it’s about providing our students with the exact tools, certifications, and corporate connections they need to build sustainable careers in a rapidly evolving market.”
Through regular curriculum updates and continuous recruitment engagement, the partnership ensures that Laurel Technical Institute remains an effective pipeline for skilled electrical and HVAC talent, helping to stabilize regional workforce supply lines while positioning its graduates at the forefront of the modern trades revolution.
“This is a partnership that stemmed from a direct need in the field. Together, we have created an energizing and welcoming environment to help students feel at home while learning the high-tech automation skills that can help change their future. Our goal is that graduates come out of the program as ALC experts,’ says Andrew Bierer, President of Automated Logic Corporation, ‘that would be the goal, reproducing more ALC experts, and we see that potential here in this partnership.’
Leadership from Laurel, Chief Operating Officer Douglas Decker, and Automated Logic, President of Automated Logic Corporation Andrew Bierer, sit down to discuss industry changes, employment opportunities, and new perspectives for ensuring a prosperous partnership.
Euka Davis, Regional General Manager – U.S. North, and Andrew Bierer, President of Automated Logic, spoke to students and upcoming graduates about emerging technologies and career opportunities within their worldwide network!
Matt Word, Regional General Manager – Global Strategic Accounts/U.S. South, spoke to Laurel students about their proprietary Building Automation Software, now a part of interactive curricula students learn in the program.
About Laurel Technical Institute:
Founded in 1985 as Laurel Technical Institute is a private, post-secondary specialized associate degree-granting, Career and Technical Education (CTE) provider with four locations throughout Western Pennsylvania and North Central West Virginia. Laurel is nationally accredited as ‘School of Distinction’ by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges, Laurel has over 525 current students and 5,800 alumni across approximately 20 different AST/B Degree and Diploma programs. These programs are focused on high-demand occupational classifications such as skilled trades, health care, information technology, business, cosmetology, and early childhood education. Learn more at laurel.edu
About Automated Logic:
Automated Logic Corporation provides innovative building management solutions that maximize energy efficiency and sustainable building operation while ensuring comfort. Its intuitive products control and monitor building functions such as heating, air conditioning and lighting for commercial office, education, health care, government and data center markets through a global network of independent dealers and North American branch offices. Automated Logic is a part of Carrier Global Corporation, the leading global provider of healthy, safe, sustainable and intelligent building and cold chain solutions. For more information, visit www.automatedlogic.com or follow @AutomatedLogic on LinkedIn.
About Carrier:
Founded by the inventor of modern air conditioning, Carrier is a world leader in high-technology heating, air-conditioning and refrigeration solutions. Carrier experts provide sustainable solutions, integrating energy-efficient products, building controls and energy services for residential, commercial, retail, transport and food service customers. Carrier is a part of Carrier Global Corporation, global leader in intelligent climate and energy solutions that matter for people and our planet for generations to come. For more information, visit https://www.carrier.com/commercial/en/us/ or follow us on LinkedIn and @Carrier on X.