The Refrigeration School and Commercial Divers International Announce Partnership to Expand Skilled-Trade Pathways
New collaboration offers cross-training opportunities, career support and scholarships for students pursuing careers in both HVAC-R and commercial diving
PHOENIX, Arizona (August 6, 2025) — The Refrigeration School Inc. (RSI), part of Stratatech Education Group (StrataTech), a national leader in skilled-trade career education, today announced a strategic partnership between The Refrigeration School, Inc. (RSI) and Commercial Divers International (CDI), a top-tier commercial diving and underwater welding training center based in Goodyear, Arizona. The partnership will give students more diverse career options and hands-on, high-impact training in two high-demand industries.
RSI is widely recognized for its accelerated, hands-on programs that prepare students for success in HVAC/R, welding, and electrical careers. With strong industry connections, expert instructors, and robust career services, RSI delivers a practical education that leads to real-world results—giving graduates a competitive edge in the skilled trades workforce.
“At StrataTech, we believe in creating bold, cross-industry solutions to close the skilled labor gap,” said Jenny Pacheco, Assistant Vice President of Agency Partnerships at Stratatech. “By aligning our resources with Commercial Divers International, we’re opening a dual-track path that prepares students for unique and essential careers in both HVAC-R and commercial diving.”
The RSI-CDI partnership will include:
- Dual-Skill Training Options: Students enrolled at RSI and CDI will have access to program information and pathways allowing them to cross-train in each field—diving professionals can add HVAC/R, electrical, or welding credentials, while RSI grads can explore underwater welding and diving careers.
- Career Services Support: Both institutions will collaborate to connect students with local and national employers, provide resume-building assistance, and offer job interview coaching tailored to each industry.
- Hands-On Immersion: From hands-on labs at RSI to underwater simulation tanks at CDI, students will gain real-world experience and safety-first training environments that mirror on-the-job conditions.
- Stackable Credentials for Career Mobility: Students will be able to earn credentials in both traditional and specialized trades, allowing them to pivot between industries like construction, energy, infrastructure, and marine services. This flexibility increases long-term career security and adaptability.
“Partnering with RSI allows us to expand our impact and offer our students more than just a certification—it offers a future filled with career flexibility and financial security,” said Gustavo Velez, Chief Administration Officer of Commercial Divers International. “We’re proud to join forces with an institution that shares our vision of building tomorrow’s workforce.”
This partnership reflects StrataTech’s continued investment in providing nontraditional learners with high-value educational options that lead to meaningful employment. Both RSI and CDI are recognized for their accelerated, career-focused training programs that deliver strong return on investment for students and employers alike.
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About Commercial Divers International (CDI)
Commercial Divers International (CDI), based in Goodyear, Arizona, is a premier training institution offering certifications in commercial diving, underwater welding, hazmat diving and more. With industry-leading instructors, hands-on equipment, and a focus on safety, CDI prepares graduates to work in offshore, inland, and international diving environments. Learn more at www.commercialdiversinternational.edu.
About The Refrigeration School, Inc.
The Refrigeration School, Inc. (RSI) was founded in Phoenix in 1965 and has been training students for sustainable HVAC and refrigeration careers for more than 60 years. Offering hands-on education with a strong emphasis on the highly sought-after electrical skills, diagnostic and mechanical technology proficiency employers seek, RSI’s programs include Electrical Applications, Refrigeration Technologies, Electro-Mechanical Technologies (HVAC-R), AOS in Mechanical Maintenance Engineering, and Welding Specialist. RSI is an ACCSC accredited school and licensed by the Arizona State Board for Private Post-Secondary Education. For more information, visit www.rsi.edu and follow along our social channels: YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn.
About StrataTech Education Group
StrataTech Education Group focuses on the education, growth and development of specialized career education schools, particularly skilled-trade programs designed to address the nation’s growing infrastructure needs. Holding an A+ rating by the Better Business Bureau, StrataTech Education Group’s portfolio includes The Refrigeration School, Inc. (RSI) (Phoenix), Tulsa Welding School (TWS) (Tulsa, OK), Tulsa Welding School, (Jacksonville, FL), Tulsa Welding School & Technology Center (Houston, TX) and Tulsa Welding School serving Dallas Metro (Dallas, TX). For more information, visit www.StrataTech.com and follow us on LinkedIn.