NEW BEDFORD – James Gardiner and Glenn Morel, two teachers from Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School, attended a national three-day conference in Colorado, this month. The 40th annual Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) Conference and Indoor Air Expo was held on February 5-7, 2008 in Colorado Springs.

The ACCA Conference and Indoor Air Expo is one of the premier learning experiences for HVAC/R contracting business owners, managers, and other professionals.

In a series of workshops during the national conference, the Voc-Tech teachers met with successful contractors and industry experts who shared secrets and real-world techniques. The teachers will now apply that knowledge in their classrooms.

Mr. Gardiner and Mr. Morel both teach in the HVAC-R/Appliance Technology program at GNB Voc-Tech. The 4-year program teaches students about heating, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration, and appliance technology, industries with some of the fastest growing, highest-paying jobs.

Their trip was paid for through a federal grant.

Mr. Gardiner lives in Dartmouth. Mr. Morel lives in Fairhaven.