February 19, 2019
With demand for HVAC jobs in Georgia expected to increase 20 percent though 2024, Altierus Career College has launched two new programs to meet the need. Refrigeration Technician (RT) and Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Technician programs are currently enrolling students for classes beginning in March.
"Atlanta has more jobs in the HVAC field than it has skilled individuals to fill those roles. Local employers have already expressed interest in being involved with a hands-on HVAC program that would fill the market need," said Moses Delaney, campus director of Altierus Career College-Norcross. "The goal of our new HVAC program is to help fill that gap while providing our students with a path to a growing career field that's growing in Atlanta and beyond."
Students enrolled in the program receive hands-on instruction in the campus' newly constructed HVAC lab, where they learn to install electrical wiring and controls, repair and replace parts, and determine ways to improve efficiency on a variety of mechanical equipment including air conditioning units, furnaces, electrical hookups, circuit boards and more. The 3,2400 square-foot lab, funded in part through a grant provided by ECMC Foundation, features industry-leading equipment, including commercial refrigeration systems as well as commercial and residential heating and air conditioning systems.
The basic HVAC and refrigeration programs are designed to be completed in nine months. Altierus also offers a "cluster" program that includes both the HVAC Technician and RT components, which can be completed in 12 months. Preparation and testing are included in the program for EPA Universal Refrigerant Certification, HVAC Level 1 NCCER Certification, OSHA 10-hour Basic Safety Orientation and Universal R410A Safety and Training.
Altierus supports its students with professional skills development, resume development, job interview practice, externships and job placement. Recognizing that a student's success relies on a balance between the demands of daily life and their education, Altierus provides loaner tablets, library computers, tutors and other resources to help provide continuity to students in their school experience.
"We are committed to serving the greater Atlanta area by providing a hands-on learning environment while graduating well-trained HVAC professionals," said Delaney. "We offer a low instructor-to-student ratio, as well as industry current tools to help our students get the training they need to successfully enter this field."