What’s new at NexTech Academy? We’re glad you asked! I’m Amy Lynn, NexTech Academy Content Developer. And I’m excited to co-author a two-part blog post with my team member Joe DeLong, Nexstar Network Workforce Development Coach and HVAC Technical Trainer, as we celebrate the launch of our residential Mini-Splits curriculum.
This much-anticipated NexTech Academy training offering is live and available to our Nexstar Network members. Keep reading for more details, and if you missed Part 1 of 2 in the series click here.
How Did Mini-Splits Training Come to Be?
Curious to learn more about how Joe and I worked together to develop the Mini-Split curriculum? Here’s our backstory and we’ll start with Joe’s journey. Take it away, Joe!
Joe’s History in the HVAC Industry
It all began in 1997, when, at just 20 years old, I started as an install helper and apprentice in Naples, FL. Over the years, I honed my skills and gained invaluable experience. By 2014, after returning to my home state of Colorado, I achieved a major milestone: earning my National Standard Master Mechanical License.
In 2019, I joined Nexstar Network, initially focusing on developing HVAC technical content and creating training videos to help member technicians excel. Once much of that content was completed, I transitioned into coaching—a role that allows me to work closely with members to grow their workforces and strengthen their teams. One of the highlights of my role is visiting member locations to teach their HVAC technicians in person—it’s always a blast! After 27 years in the trade, I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to share my knowledge with the next generation and help member companies build their workforce.
Amy Shares Her Journey to NexTech Academy
Sometimes what feels like a wandering path turns out to be switchbacks to the perfect vista. I’m so grateful that my vista is NexTech Academy! Choosing a degree in college was a challenge for me, but I ultimately landed on a secondary math education degree, wooed by the opportunity to use creativity to make something “scary” seem approachable. But after five years in education, teaching felt more like a juggling act than a creative outlet for me. I pivoted and joined the corporate world for the next decade. Between soaking up communication and design elements from a world-class marketing team and honing skills in project coordination and team member development in the retail space, I accumulated skills and experiences that led me to Nexstar Network and the NexTech Academy team in 2023.
Now, as a Content Developer for NexTech Academy, I get to align my experiences and make new content approachable for our technicians. I’m inspired by the technicians who are making their own pivots into a new career in the trades, and by the others choosing to grow in a topic that’s possibly out of their comfort zone. I’m thankful that I can partner with subject matter experts like Joe and be a part of enriching technicians’ journeys.
Reflecting On This Collaborative Effort
Since many of our Nexstar members have asked about mini-splits for some time, Joe started building elements of the curriculum’s content several years ago. He spent time adding mini-split work to video shoots, building relationships with key vendors and partners, and outlining the big ideas as he held conversations with members until we had the space and team to pull off the creation of this curriculum.
Once this project was officially launched, Joe and I went to the drawing board. After identifying the key learning objectives and creating an outline, Joe began unloading all his knowledge on the subject. This initiated a constant volley between us. I took Joe’s vast knowledge and consolidated a little here, rearranged there, restructured this, and reiterated that. With my limited HVAC background, I could view the material through the eyes of a learner, and asked many clarifying questions to help us determine which learning approach fit the different content types. Together, Joe and I landed on an engaging and impactful experience that walks learners from introduction to troubleshooter!
We believe this Residential Mini-Splits course within our NexTech Select curriculum has launched the next chapter of NexTech Academy, raising the bar for current and future content!
Ready to Enroll?
Nexstar members, Residential Mini-Splits training is now available in NexTech Academy, and we can’t wait for you to dive in. Whether you’re new to the trade or looking to expand your knowledge, this curriculum is designed to help you succeed.
Not a member yet? Contact Nexstar for more information! Thank you again to our members for your trust and collaboration!
