A Year in the Life of Stacks+Joules trainee (Gael Gonzalez)

Stacks+Joules bridges the technology opportunity gap for low-income, diverse youth through specialized training in computer programming, IoT, advanced lighting controls, HVAC fundamentals, and professional skills, all towards careers in the Building Automation System (BAS) industry.

Learn more about the program as you follow Gael Gonzalez, a 2020 graduate, from initial engagement, through earning certifications and professional skills, and landing his first full-time job in the Building Automation Industry.

GAEL GONZALEZ  
AGE: 18
HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATE
UA MAKER ACADEMY
NEW YORK, NY

Sept 2019: PRE-CLASS INTERVIEW

What is your reason for participating in the Stacks+Joules program?
I hope to learn Python, get a job and gain experience

Have you had or do you have a job?
I help my father and brother collect and haul scrap metal.

What are your plans for after high school?
Work and community college. But I have to work.

What are your strengths? 
Working with my hands and figuring out how things work. I work hard. 

What are your goals? 
Reading technical directions. Public speaking. I like to do things myself so I know I need to get better about being part of a team.

What song are you feeling right now?
Can't stop me now-Queen

Sep 2019-Dec 2019: STACKS+JOULES - LIGHTING CONTROL 

Gael jumped right into the Python Programming for LED Lighting Controls course, demonstrating his work ethic and problem-solving. Students deciphered a series of increasingly complex exercises while working together in small groups, an aspect that posed some frustration for him. Coding concepts were formalized by facilitators after initial exploration and reinforced by student presentations with continuous feedback.

“Gael was incredibly nervous about the retrofit proposal presentation. I lost track of how many times he contacted me to practice and get feedback. His determination to succeed set him apart.” 

Davis Rothenberg - Industry Mentor 
Marketing Director RAB Lighting

Professionals from RAB Lighting joined Gael’s class to train them on a commercial lighting controls system and to lead a lighting audit of the entire school building. The audit results were used to create an LED retrofit proposal, which the students presented publicly to an audience of over 40 that included representatives from the NY Board of Regents, Manhattan Borough President, NYSERDA, NYC DOE, NYU, CUNY, SUNY, and industry partners. 

Gael earned his Lighting Control Association Certificate (accredited by CALCTP, NLCAA, NCQLP, and AIA)

Jan 2020 - Jun 2020: STACKS+JOULES - HVAC CONTROLS

In January the program shifted focus to HVAC systems and controls. With expert support from Tauris Tech, a Brooklyn based training organization, students learned the refrigeration cycle, basic HVAC components, and the refrigerant recovery process by dismantling small window units. Gael was in his element!

Things changed dramatically and instantly when schools were closed in March. The shift to remote learning via Zoom sessions did not suit Gael’s active learning style. Yet he persevered and, with close support from industry mentor Thomas Quinn, he even grew to embrace the benefits of teamwork as he relied on his peer group to master the EPA 608 Universal Refrigerant Handling Certification.

“He collaborated on the presentations and shared the other’s skills. He used “we” and “our team” a lot. For someone who has spent a good part of his life building successful teams, I was floored. This guy gets it - working together to magnify his teammate’s talents and enhance his own. We should all celebrate Gaels’ and his team’s achievements.”

Thomas Quinn - Industry MentorFounder Venco Sales

June ‘20 - July ‘20: NIAGARA BUILDING INTEGRATION BOOTCAMP

The shift to remote learning, while successful, pushed the final, and in many ways most important program component, into the summer. With generous and flexible support from NYSERDA, funds were extended to be able to pay summer interns $15 per hour for a five-week, 80 hour intensive Bootcamp. Once again, Gael jumped right in, although this time notably taking steps to support and lean on his team.

July ‘20: GAEL IS HIRED

Work-based learning was preserved in remote learning by having industry partners continue to join the Zoom sessions to share real work in the form of designs, plans, and controls schematics. Gael distinguished himself, so much so that after just the second week, Dual Fuel CEO Joseph Bohm took notice. After taking advantage of help to update his resume, compose a cover letter, and practice for an interview, Gael secured a full-time position at $18 per hour with Dual Fuel as a Building Automation Technician.

Gael will continue to be supported for the next six months during his transition from high school student to career professional with coaching sessions that will gradually support his transition to independence. Working with Dual Fuel, Stacks+Joules is helping Gael identify further certification and degree programs that can usher him along a career path that includes continuing education.

“We are trying to build full-stack control techs. Techs that are equally capable in the mechanical and digital worlds. Techs like that can't be hired- they must be built. In order to do that, I need moldable minds and that's what Stacks+Joules gives me”

Joseph Bohm CEO Dual Fuel Inc Bronx, NY