One year after cutting the ribbon on its St. Louis-based Training Center and launching its innovative Mobile Showroom, Rapid Locking System (RLS), a leading provider of press-to-connect fittings for the HVAC/R industries, is celebrating a year of achievements with the HVAC/R industry partners gaining hands-on training that can immediately impact their business.

Since opening its doors in April 2024, the RLS Training Center has become a hub for HVAC/R education, equipping contractors, engineers and wholesalers with live press fitting demonstrations, behind-the-scenes access to the manufacturing facility and a variety of certification opportunities. RLS’ goal was to train 20,000 contractors, engineers and wholesalers in year one across all training efforts, and the company achieved this goal, reinforcing RLS’ commitment to advancing safe, efficient and modern HVAC/R installation practices.

"Over the last year, we’ve seen first-hand how accessible training can impact a contractor’s ability to grow their business and stay ahead of industry changes,” said Joel Reedy, president of Rapid Locking System. “As we move into year two, we’re focused on expanding our reach and investing in more ways for our customers to learn and succeed."

At the same time, the RLS Mobile Showroom has taken press-to-connect education on the road. Outfitted with virtual reality tools and hands-on demonstration capabilities, the Mobile Showroom has brought the RLS experience directly to job sites and distributor locations nationwide. In the past year, the Mobile Showroom has made stops at places like Milwaukee, Indianapolis and Columbus, and now plans to head East.

RLS is continually working toward its goal of workforce empowerment through education.

In the next year, RLS again plans to train 20,000 more professionals through the combined training center and mobile outreach initiatives, as the industry continues to evolve amid refrigerant changes, labor demands and increasing emphasis on efficiency.

To request a training or Mobile Showroom stop, or to learn more about RLS educational resources, visit https://www.rapidlockingsystem.com/.