Law 4: Be Disciplined and Make Progress in the Program, Regardless of Outside Influences

Discipline in the workplace sets the precedent that goals and policies matter. If your new employees can count on you, they see a stable and reliable leader and company. There will be times that training feels like a low priority, but committing to a disciplined schedule of learning promises success. Zooming Out The goals of […]
Law 3: Ensure the Training Leader Has the Bandwidth to Oversee the Program

So far in this series, we’ve discussed the first two laws of NexTech Academy: to start by creating a thoughtful training program, and to then align all departments on the value of training. The third law addresses bandwidth. The amount of bandwidth someone has refers to their capacity–how much can they give to a certain […]
10 Laws of NexTech Academy: Law 2: Align All Departments on the Value of Technical Training

In a previous article, you were introduced to the first law, or guideline, that will foster success in the NexTech Academy vocational training program. Law 1 covers the importance of a thoughtful training plan. But having a training plan isn’t enough to achieve success. Your plan will go nowhere fast if members of your team […]
10 Laws of NexTech Academy: Law 1: Create a Thoughtful Training Plan Before Training Begins

Creating a plan for training is often an exercise in reverse engineering. We frequently begin with a vision of the finished product, and then slowly and methodically break it down to its key components. Once the vision is set, the true planning can begin. Case Study: Nexstar Network holds a conference once a year called […]
The 10 Laws of NexTech Academy

Let’s face it: finding qualified technicians isn’t as easy as it once was. Most companies have realized this fact and shifted their hiring practice towards finding candidates with the right attitude. Technical skills can be trained! When NexTech Academy – Nexstar’s online, self-paced, trades-focused technical training school – was introduced in 2018, it was an […]
NexTech Academy Coaching Assignments

What’s New at NexTech Academy? Since the formation of NexTech Academy, the coaches have served as subject matter experts, creating content for NexTech’s plumbing, HVAC, and electrical programs. Now that much of the content has been created, and in some cases re-created, the coaches of NexTech Academy are shifting into a coaching and support role […]
Our Electrical Coach’s Favorite Lesson: Switching Configuration

Over a year ago, our online trade school program has decided to move away from the traditional textbook look and feel. We wanted to redesign the content in our electrical program to fit employed students who are pursuing continuing education. We wanted to deliver a new and improved interactive learning experience with relevant information that […]
How Much Money Does a Technician Earn?

Everyone wants a job they love. Of course, love can mean different things to different people. Some employees want challenges. Some workers look for flexible hours. Many people want long-term job security. Your list is going to suit your specific lifestyle and needs. But there is one attribute that everyone can agree on: good pay. […]
Our HVAC Coach’s Favorite Lesson: Diagnosing the Refrigerant Charge

Over a year ago, our online trade school program has decided to move away from the traditional textbook look and feel. We wanted to redesign the content in our HVAC program to fit employed students who are pursuing continuing education. We wanted to deliver a new and improved interactive learning experience with relevant information that […]
How to Build Your Future with NexTech Academy

Attitude shapes success. When you are a young apprentice working for an electrical, HVAC or plumbing business, behavior and mindset have a tremendous impact on your personal success and the bottom line. It is important that everyone within an organization takes moments of personal reflection from time to time. Think about what you do and […]