JCI provides $190,000 to accelerate the HFC HVAC program
Johnson Controls, Inc (JCI) has awarded $190,000 to the College to upgrade its HVAC curriculum, which launched in 2022.
HFC redesigned its HVAC curriculum to condense a 2-year program into just 10 months, while also increasing the number of certifications offered from one to seven. HFC is also developing new associate degree pathways in energy production, energy renewal, and conservation.
“JCI has been instrumental in helping HFC faculty align with the necessary skills and requirements for our students. Through direct collaboration, HFC faculty and JCI worked together to enhance lectures and lab assignments. These industry partnerships are crucial for evolving our programs and ensuring students secure meaningful employment,” said Dr. Sašo Krstovski, Associate Dean of Industrial Technologies in the HFC School of Business, Entrepreneurship, and Professional Development (BEPD).
JCI supports curriculum development and provides scholarships for HFC students
In 2021, JCI wanted to close the gap in skilled trades workers by launching the Community College Partnership Program. This program partners with colleges like HFC to engage students from underrepresented groups and support them in sustainable building practices. JCI has invested in community colleges across the nation to enhance their educational offerings.
In the case of HFC, JCI has also provided invaluable industry expertise. The corporation has advised HFC regarding purchasing state-of-the-art equipment, industry certifications, and state licensing requirements. JCI provides students with mentoring, internships, and tours of its facilities. JCI has even made it possible for area high school students to start HVAC courses to be paid by their school districts, and provides scholarships for them to continue studying HVAC after graduation.
“JCI supported curriculum development and provided scholarships for our students. The money for the lab renovation was predominately provided by the Ralph C. Wilson Foundation, which addresses the growing need for skilled trade workers,” said BEPD Dean Dr. Patricia Chatman.
Industry partnerships crucial to HFC’s skilled trades programs
HFC is collaborating with JCI in a 20-year partnership supporting its Integrated Energy Master Plan (IEMP). The IEMP's goal is to achieve Global Best Practices in Energy Management and Education. This partnership will promote a sustainable energy culture and a brand-new energy-related curriculum that allows students to learn global best practices in real-time from the College's own systems.
These changes will result in 60-50-40 gains by 2040:
- Energy efficiency improvements of at least 60%
- Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions of at least 50%
- Water efficiency improvements of at least 40%
“These industry partnerships are crucial for evolving our programs and ensuring students secure meaningful employment,” said Krstovski. “We are excited to welcome former IEMP Coordinator Nicholas Paseiro to our HVAC team as an Energy Technology/Sustainable Energy Instructor where he will spearhead the expansion of our program offerings, particularly through the IEMP initiative.”