Howard Community College

CONNECTIONS Fall 2018 | Pathways 15 Building the Next Generation of HVACR Professionals This fall, Howard Community College launched its first-ever apprenticeship program in heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR). In partnership with the Heating and Air Conditioning Contractors of Maryland (HACC of MD), the college will provide practical knowledge, coupled with hands-on skill building opportunities, to train the next generation of HVACR contractors. "The state of Maryland is making this apprenticeship training program a priority based on market demands and the fact that many people working as HVACR contractors today are nearing retirement," said Adrienne Summers, continuing professional education coordinator at HCC. "As we were exploring opportunities to add an apprenticeship program to our course offerings, we knew it will fill a need in our community." The apprentices will take a series of courses and participate in ongoing lab projects, designed to build and enhance field skills. Off campus, over a period of four years, each student must also log 8,000 hours of on-the- job training, with oversight by an approved HVACR contractor. "We believe the program appeals to new professionals and people who hope to make a career change," said Summers. "This program opens an exciting new door." Upon completion of the program, apprentices will earn their journeyman's license, with no need to take and pass an exam. Career opportunities for this profession are projected to increase at a much faster pace than many other occupations, according to a report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. In fact, employment opportunities for HVACR mechanics and installers are projected to increase by as much as 15 percent by the year 2026. "The number one thing we hear from our contractors today is that they cannot find enough help," says Stephanie Anderson, executive director of HACC of MD. "We are seeing a declining work force, and there are not enough candidates out there currently to fill the positions that are open. Our member companies need reliable people who are interested in learning the trade, and they are fully on board with being part of the training process." The need for comprehensive, technical training within the HVACR industry has evolved in recent years, as many heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration systems are now computerized and digital-based. Some of the most common roles licensed journeymen can pursue include technicians, installers, designers, engineers, auditors, and sales representatives. "There is so much a person can do in this industry, and this training program guarantees our apprentices will land a good job with the potential for wage increases over time," said Anderson. "It's a great responsibility and honor to work with our partners at HCC in offering top-notch training for our professionals of the future." English courses while exploring the U.S. Participants have learned about American culture and life in Maryland—from visits with county and state officials, to trips to the Howard County Fair and Oriole Park at Camden Yards. pEnglish Development for International Educators Another key initiative for the English Language Center is to improve the quality of English language education through customized training programs offered to international instructors of English as a Foreign Language (EFL). The most recent participants in this program was a group of EFL teachers and deans from Ma'anshan Teachers College in Ma'anshan, China. The ELC also regularly provides training to visiting scholars at the University of Maryland through a partnership with the school's Office of China Affairs.

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