QUINCY, Ill. — The Illinois Community College Board recently approved John Wood Community College’s newly developed one-year HVAC certificate program, which will begin enrolling students this fall. The program came in response to a call from area HVAC industry leaders for more local technicians. Over the last year, JWCC worked with an advisory council comprised of eight HVAC businesses and experts to develop HVAC-specific courses, identify internship sites, and acquire equipment necessary to deliver the program.

“We have a great need for HVAC technicians in this region, and are grateful that John Wood has worked with us to create a relevant program that will prepare students to step in and earn a head-of-household salary in a growing field,” said Ryan Keck, chair of JWCC’s HVAC Council. “Because HVAC businesses were part of developing this new program, we built in extra hands-on internship opportunities so JWCC students will have an advantage and have the inside track as they work in area businesses as part of their training.”

Businesses on the JWCC HVAC advisory council include Keck Heating and Air Conditioning, Blessing Hospital, AireServ of Quincy, T. F. Ehrhart Company, Air Specialists Heating and Air Conditioning, and Klingner & Associates.

The next step in the HVAC program’s development is becoming eligible for federal financial aid, a process that is currently underway and tentatively set for approval in March.

Publication date: 3/5/2019

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