Technical Programs
Enrich your technical skills and reach your professional goals!
Welding
In two phases this comprehensive 352-hour hands-on program covers critical welding foundations, from prioritizing safety and understanding base and filler metals to in-depth instruction in various welding processes. You’ll gain in-depth knowledge in welding principles, phase one features the exciting field of Robotic Arc Welding (AWS-CRAW Prep), and hands-on techniques in Gas Metal Arc Welding (MIG), Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (TIG), and Shielded Metal Arc Welding (Stick). Phase two features Blue Print Reading, Understanding the Weld Inspection, and method and techniques.
Welding
| Phase | Day | Dates | Times | Instructor | Tuition Cost |
| Two | Tuesdays & Wednesdays | Jan. 20- April 17, 2026 | 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm | Sal Bonafide | $5,000 |
Practical Applications in Industrial Electrical Work – Level 1
This 101.5-hour course introduces the field of industrial electricity, covering job tasks and new technologies, and offers hands-on experience. It then delves into DC theory, including energy sources, Ohm’s Law, and DC circuits with a focus on calculations. Electrical safety is emphasized through case studies, hazard identification, and essential protocols like LOTO and NFPA 70E. Practical skills in electrical conduit bending, from calculations to complex bends, are taught. Finally, the course guides students through the 2023 National Electric Code, focusing on its structure and practical application.
Practical Applications in Industrial Electrical Work
| Semester/Year | Day | Dates | Times | Instructor | Tuition Cost |
| Fall 2025 through Spring 2026 | Tuesdays | 9/9/2025 – 5/19/2026 | 5:00 pm – 8:30 pm | Mark Pratt | $3,199 |
Instructor: Mark Pratt
Mark is a master electrician in the City of Rochester. He has 28 years of experience in the I.B.E.W. as a service tech, a foreman, and is currently a full-time instructor at the Rochester Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee in Rochester. As an instructor, He teaches 2nd year and 4th year apprentices.
Basic Air Conditioning & Refrigeration I
This course is designed for individuals looking to learn basic refrigeration skills or refresh their existing knowledge before or during their work in the field. It provides comprehensive hands-on training on residential split systems, including furnaces and heat pumps, using iConnect Basic Refrigeration Trainers. The trainer allows visualization of the refrigeration process through sight glasses, color-coded components, and manual manipulation of valves to observe different operating conditions and refrigerant flow controlled by various expansion valves.
Summer 2026 Course Information
Genesee Community College, Batavia Campus
Basic Air Conditioning and Refrigeration 1
| Semester/Year | Day | Dates | Times | Instructor | Tuition Cost |
| Summer 2026 | Tuesday & Thursday | April 7 – May 14, 2026 | 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm | Bill Hayes & Nathan Blowers | $1,899 |
Course Contact Hours: 18
Instructor: Bill Hayes & Nathan Blowers
EPA 608 Certification
EPA Section 608 certification is required for anyone servicing, repairing, or disposing of equipment that could release ozone-depleting or most substitute refrigerants (including HFCs) since January 1, 2018. Certification involves passing an EPA-approved test administered by certifying organizations and is valid for life. This three-day course offers in-depth instruction and practice tests for the CORE, Type I, Type II, and Type III sections.
Passing the CORE is needed for any type certification, and passing all four results in a lifetime Universal EPA 608 Certification.
EPA 608 Certification
| Semester/Year | Day | Dates | Times | Instructor | Tuition |
| Summer 2026 | Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday | June 9, 10, & 11, 2026 | 9:00 am – 3:30 pm (30-minute lunch) | Bill Hayes | $300 |
Instructor: Bill Hayes
Bill Hayes, with 40 years in HVAC/R, joins GCC’s BEST Center as the instructor for the Basic Air Conditioning & Refrigeration program. He holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology and has extensive experience, including owning an HVAC/R operation and a supply house. Bill has taught HVAC/R in New York State for the past decade and is an EPA-608 Proctor. His expertise and dedication align with the BEST Center’s mission.
Registration Is Now Open
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to invest in your future.
Call 585-345-6868 to register
Contact Us:
Location: SUNY GCC One College Road, Batavia, NY 14020
Phone: 585-345-6868
Email: bestcenter@montenegroflights.net