KENOSHA, Wis. — Gateway Technical College celebrated the opening of its new Energy Systems Training Labs. A special ceremony was held to honor Trane, a key partner in the development of the labs and the curriculum taught there.

The college said the six labs bring cutting-edge training technology to equip Gateway graduates with the skills needed to enter an expanding HVAC job market for well-versed technicians with sustainable energy system skills.

Trane and Gateway closely collaborated to enhance the college’s HVAC education program to help close the skills gap to meet industry-required skills levels. The labs feature advanced HVAC technology solutions. Trane also worked with Gateway in updating the HVAC systems serving the campus, creating a living laboratory for HVAC students.

The Energy System lab design was also supported by the National Coalition of Certification Centers (NC3), of which Gateway and Trane are members. NC3 was established to address the need for strong industry partnerships with educational institutions to develop, implement, and sustain industry-recognized portable certifications with strong validation and assessment standards. Graduates of Gateway’s program will also achieve appropriate energy industry certification through NC3.

The labs include equipment in residential and commercial/industrial heating and cooling, building automation, refrigeration, renewable energy systems, and geoexchange technology. Other business partners have collaborated with Gateway to provide additional leading edge technology training equipment.

Program graduates who learn in these labs will not only receive HVAC training but will also be prepared for green collar careers in wind and solar.

 “This is significant for the college,” said Gateway President Bryan Albrecht. “We see employers in these job markets calling for technicians with skills that go beyond HVAC. Employers are looking for skills in operating those systems in a sustainable manner.

“In addition to the new and emerging careers in wind and solar energy systems, others exist which have been re-evaluated or recreated because of the need for technicians with technology skills, or the ability to run systems sustainably.”

For more information about Gateway Technical College, visit www.gtc.edu.

For more information about Trane, visit www.trane.com.

Publication date: 8/5/2013

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