From Helping His Dad Fix ACs to Dreaming of His Own HVAC Company

Salu Lateef

How OPL Academy Inspired Confidence

Growing up, Salu Lateef didn’t have to look far to find inspiration. His father, a Refrigerator and Air Conditioning (R.A.C) technician, often took him along to work after school. What started as casual assistance turned into hands-on learning—and eventually, a career path.

“The inspiration came from my dad,” he shared. “If he could use this hustle to raise me and my four older siblings, build a house, and buy a family car, I knew I could also succeed.”

After completing his education, Salu was determined not to rely heavily on his parents anymore.

“They’ve already done a lot to get me here,” he said. “Now, it’s about creating the life I want.”

When OPL Academy visited his school to offer soft skills training, he was confident it would be a stepping stone toward a successful career. He was impressed not only by the professionalism of the trainers but also by how well-structured the program was.

“They covered different topics that I know will help me in the future. The training was 90% enough to prepare me for work.”

OPL Academy also introduced him to LaborHack, a job-matching platform for technicians. Through this platform, he landed a role as an HVAC Technician at NOLTECH.

While he’s still waiting for his first salary, his confidence is already growing.

“I feel so much more confident now. Even though I haven’t been paid yet, I know I’ll be financially stable once I start earning.”

Looking ahead, he dreams of owning his own HVAC company and employing others like himself. His advice to anyone thinking of applying to OPL Academy?

“Don’t hesitate. You’ll gain real skills and learn so many things. It’s a great opportunity.”