In the world of refrigeration and air conditioning, few individuals embody the spirit of dedication and enthusiasm as vividly as Daniel Fernandez. With a decade of hands-on experience in the field, Mr. Fernandez brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for teaching that resonates with both prospective and current students at Apex Technical School. His journey, filled with unique experiences and unwavering commitment, serves as an inspiration to all who cross his path.
For Mr. Fernandez, teaching in the A/C & Refrigeration program at Apex Technical School is more than just a job; it’s a return to his roots. As a former student of Apex, he finds immense satisfaction in walking the halls where he once learned the ropes of A/C and refrigeration training.
“It’s like coming back to my old stomping ground,” he shares with a smile. “Being able to use a teacher’s eye to view the future is incredibly rewarding. I get to share my experiences and love for the field with students who are just starting their journey.”
Despite his many achievements, Mr. Fernandez remains humble and grounded. He still has his old notebooks from his time as a student at Apex, proudly displaying them as a testament to his air conditioning trade school journey.
“Those notebooks are a reminder of where I started and how far I’ve come,” he reflects.
One of the aspects Mr. Fernandez finds most rewarding about his job is the opportunity to meet new faces and cultures. Each air conditioning and refrigeration training class brings together individuals from different backgrounds, all united by a common goal: to gain the skills necessary for a successful career in refrigeration and air conditioning.
“The diversity of students at Apex is amazing,” he says. “It’s a joy to learn from their experiences and to see how they bring their unique perspectives to the table.”
For Mr. Fernandez, there is no greater satisfaction than witnessing the success of his students. His favorite part of his role is seeing students leave his class with the confidence and skills needed to thrive in the A/C industry.
“Hearing ‘hey teach, I got a job’ from a former student is the best feeling in the world,” he admits. “It means that I’ve done my part in helping them achieve their goals.”
When asked about his hobbies, Mr. Fernandez jokingly replies, “I breathe and sleep HVAC.”
His dedication to the field is evident in everything he does. Recently, he attended the prestigious Carbone Academy to pursue his engineer’s license as a refrigeration machine operator. His journey to becoming a stationary engineer is well underway, having passed his Z51 test and preparing for the Z52.
Mr. Fernandez’s path to the A/C and refrigeration world is anything but conventional. Initially, he ventured into the automotive field and later attended medical school. However, he quickly realized that the medical field wasn’t for him.
“I wasn’t interested in blood,” he explains with a chuckle.
It was his cousin who inspired him to join the A/C industry and introduced him to Apex.
“My uncle had gone here as well, and their stories inspired me to give it a try. I haven’t looked back since.”
As Mr. Fernandez continues to impart his knowledge and passion to the next generation of A/C and refrigeration technicians, he remains committed to his own professional growth. His journey is a testament to the endless possibilities that come with hard work and dedication.
“I want my students to know that with determination and the right guidance, they can achieve anything,” he says.
Interested in changing lives by teaching the next generation of our workforce? Contact us at (212) 645-3300 or apply for an open position below.
*Apex Technical School and its instructors are licensed by the State of New York, New York State Education Department.
Disclaimer: Apex Technical School provides training for entry-level jobs. Not everything you may read about the industry is covered in our training programs.
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