HVACR Technicians

HVACR systems account for approximately 40% of energy consumption in 8 billion square feet of commercial buildings. The complexity of these systems, scope of required upgrades, and associated workforce gaps present a daunting challenge for educators. The need for qualified workers is critical for these reasons:
  • Fourteen community colleges in Southern California Edison territory produce an average of 393 HVAC workers per year, versus a projected annual demand of 1,261 through 2016.
  • Significant skills gaps exist, indicating the need for training many of the region’s 24,000 incumbent HVAC workers.
HVACR systems in commercial buildings are huge contributors to energy consumption in California.
The California Energy Commission estimates that up to 50% of new and up to 85% of replacement HVACR systems are not installed and maintained to a quality level of specification. Workforce opportunities abound for addressing the gaps in HVACR quality installation and maintenance.
Objectives:
  • Develop industry recognized HVACR energy-efficiency credentials, certificates, and degree programs.
  • Develop a regional advisory of HVACR industry partnerships to identify employment readiness and incumbent worker needs and foundational skills and knowledge requirements for key sectors of the energy efficiency sector. 
  • Raise the visibility of HVACR energy efficiency careers and educational opportunities among youth and job seekers.
  • Develop articulated regional pathways among as many as 14 colleges over 3 to 5 years.
  • Re-purpose incumbent HVACR worker training to develop a course for community college career and technical education students.
  • Develop model HVACR curriculum and course delivery system that can be adopted for use by community colleges and apprenticeship programs statewide.

NEWS

The National HVACR Educators and Trainers Conference is being held at the South Point Hotel in Las Vegas, NV from March 23-25, 2020. Also a Daikin Ductless Installation Class will be held on March 26, 2020 (limited seating). Contact Bruce Noble for details.

For More Information

Read a 1-page summary of the ECU Sector HVACR Initiative.
Read a review of HVACR certificate programs at select So Cal colleges, prepared by Applied Learning Science.
Read more about HVACR and the colleges that are preparing students for HVACR careers.
HVAC/R offers great careers in diverse fields - explore this interactive map!
Find out about Strong Workforce customizable solutions in Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration..

Employers: Join the HVACR Collaborative

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Faculty: Join the HVACR Community of Practice