Media Contact: Cherie Yurco;
CMYurco@DallasCollege.edu
For immediate release — July 25, 2023
(DALLAS) — This summer, weather stations across the continental United States have recorded more than 90 days with maximum temperatures exceeding 100 degrees. In Dallas-Fort Worth, we’ve averaged three weeks of triple digit temperatures per year over the past 20 years. As more people and businesses move to North Texas, the demand for cooling technologies and the technicians to keep them running will only grow. Meanwhile, many experienced HVAC technicians are reaching retirement age.
“Air conditioning and refrigeration will always be needed. In Dallas County, the projected need is over 500 new technicians annually,” said Dr. Stephen Pape, associate dean, Construction Sciences Division, Dallas College School of Manufacturing and Industrial Technology.
“Regular interaction with the industry enables us to gauge how our students are doing in the workforce as well as better meet current and future industry needs,” said Dr. Stephen Pape, associate dean, Construction Sciences Division, Dallas College School of Manufacturing and Industrial Technology.
As board chair for the
Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA), a nonprofit professional organization that provides networking, education and advocacy for HVAC businesses and individuals, he understands the enormity of the challenge in meeting today’s workforce needs. “ACCA opens the door for dialog with state and federal government leaders, contractors of all sizes, equipment manufacturers, distributors, associations and other educators as well as contractor employers and employees,” said Dr. Pape.
“One of the first things I realized is the tremendous opportunity available to any person, young or old, who is honest and caring, has some level of mechanical integrity and is willing to work. Such a person can do well in a multitude of careers in this field,” he said. “Also, recognizing the consistent workforce need across the country, students can expect training in air conditioning and refrigeration will allow them to live well regardless of location.”
“I know the challenge we face, and I am convinced it will take a combination of effective education providers and great employers along with well-planned government and industry support to find the answer for our workforce challenges,” said Dr. Pape. This is the type of insight that keeps Dallas College training programs and facilities aligned to workforce needs.
Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technology Associate of Applied Science degrees are offered at both Dallas College Eastfield and Cedar Valley campuses. Dallas College’s Construction Sciences building in Coppell partners with local high schools (ISDs) to provide dual credit air conditioning classes.
“Current students can be assets to most companies even as they are progressing with their education,” said Dr. Pape. “By employing them as they learn, companies can meet much of their current workforce needs, and students can avoid incurring debt. Students learn quicker and better if they are working in the field.”
Dallas College’s
system of stackable credentials allows students to move up in their careers as their studies progress:
- Rising HVAC Technician Certificate — 18 credit hours
- Technician Level I Certificate in Air Conditioning — 24 credit hours
- Technician Level II Certificate in Air Conditioning — 51 credit hours
- Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technology Associate Degree — 60 credit hours
“Many students are already working in the industry when they begin the program. But for those who are not, we encourage and assist them in beginning their first cooperative work experience in their second semester,” said Dr. Pape. “We work hard to maintain relationships with contractors that have reputations as being great places to work. Dallas College has a process where employers apply to be represented when students are selecting places to do cooperative work experiences and find secure, full-time employment.”
Maintaining these relationships with partners is important for other reasons, according to Dr. Pape. “Regular interaction with the industry enables us to gauge how our students are doing in the workforce as well as better meet current and future industry needs,” he said. This includes keeping facilities up to date with the latest technologies to train a labor-ready workforce.
“We’ve invested over $3 million at Cedar Valley to add a commercial HVAC lab,” said Dr. Pape. “With strong support from grants, continuing education, industry and government partners, we are making great strides in securing equipment and developing teaching systems that provide education and training that leads the nation.”
Community members and students interested in enrolling in the Dallas College HVAC program are encouraged to email
AskMIT@DallasCollege.edu to inquire about next steps. Limited seats are still available for Fall semester classes, which start in August.
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