Making a Difference 

Meet Ernesto Rodriguez, Administrative Training Coordinator at Learning & Development’s Maintenance Training Center

Whenever Ernesto Rodriguez goes to a NYCHA development, he recognizes most of the property management and maintenance staff – because he trained them. Mr. Rodriguez is the Administrator of HR’s Maintenance Training Center, which equips assistant superintendents, superintendents, and field staff with skills and knowledge that enhance their work.

Mr. Rodriguez began his NYCHA career 23 years ago as a maintenance worker: “I come from the maintenance background. As a burner mechanic, I had to pass a lot of tests for certification exams. As a result, I ended up teaching some of the classes that I took [at the local union].” He was later promoted to assistant superintendent. 

Mr. Rodriguez then joined the department that is now known as Learning & Development, as they were looking for an assistant superintendent with teaching experience.

“Before I came to housing, I had 12 years of experience in maintenance – heating, refrigeration, basic electrical skills – but the transition took place when I was taught how to teach. I honed my skills in delivering what I know. It’s a unique ability, not easily acquired. I developed my skills day by day, taking continuous education. I’ve been a student my whole life,” said Mr. Rodriguez, who recently earned a master’s degree in urban development and sustainability from Baruch College. He has also worked as an adjunct professor at CUNY and taught in the prison system.

Mr. Rodriguez and his team develop and provide training on a range of topics: “I’ve trained thousands of NYCHA’s maintenance workers. Normally, they come to my training center to learn theory and practice their skills. They learn about electricity, plumbing refrigeration, and more. After the theoretical part, they do hands-on work in a controlled, safe environment. We also go out in the field and train workers in their work environment.”

Mr. Rodriguez’s team had to adapt to the pandemic by developing online courses – which was part of his own learning journey. 

“I’m passionate about learning, and I think when you’re a teacher, you have to be a student,” Mr. Rodriguez noted. “Our mission is to prepare the trainees for the role they’re in now and for the role they might get in the future. You may be a maintenance worker now and become a superintendent later. I strongly believe in public housing, and I think workforce development is an integral part of public housing. I’m lucky to be part of it.”

Mr. Rodriguez credits his team for delivering impactful, high-quality training: “I don’t like my job, I love it. Seeing somebody advance in their career is the most rewarding feeling. Yesterday I met an employee who remembered me from 20 years ago, and he credits me for some of his success. I have a lot of good stories with people recognizing the small contribution that I made to them during my teaching career. It keeps me young and active.”