In an industrialized society, HVAC is literally everywhere. HVAC—or Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning—refers to all those ducts behind walls that heat, cool and ventilate many of our homes and businesses, even our vehicles. One might wonder, where would we be without it? Simply put, we would be too warm, too cold or stuck in stale, stuffy air.
The vastness of this field makes HVAC & Renewable Energies (HVAC/R) one of Questar III’s most popular Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs.
The HVAC/R program combines ubiquitous temperature and air quality technology with emerging renewable energy technologies such as wind, solar and geothermal power (pictured)—another instance of Questar III’s initiative to adapt to the evolving needs of the economy.
The HVAC/R program merges classroom instruction with project-based learning to give students an in-depth understanding of the design, installation and repair of HVAC systems as well as extensive training in home energy efficiency. Students are also introduced to electricity and renewable energies including wind, solar and geothermal power.
Over the years, students in the HVAC/R program have participated in “real-world” learning activities with a wide range of businesses and organizations to help them gain a realistic understanding of the industries in which they might one day be employed.
“One of the ways our students learn is by working with the types of equipment they are likely to experience in the work field,” said Danny Ramirez, HVAC/R instructor at the Rensselaer Educational Center.
For example, students have worked with National Grid to receive training in electrical and gas fundamentals, as well as work with a realistic mock-up of an electric distribution system.
In addition to learning about the diverse careers in the HVAC and renewable energy fields, students gain hands-on experience using industry tools, equipment and safety gear and procedures.
A local branch of Habitat for Humanity has also welcomed HVAC/R students from Questar III to install energy efficient heating, A/C and duct work in houses partially built by students in Questar’s Construction Technologies program.
Another such site was the Town of Coxsackie Ambulance, where the students participated in the installation of a heating system. Chris Zwoboda, a 2015 graduate from Questar III’s HVAC/R program, admitted that he was surprised at the opportunity to go to real job sites as a high school student. “I had so much fun getting real experience and learning a lot throughout the process,” said Zwoboda.
Mike Veeder, HVAC/R instructor at the Columbia-Greene Educational Center, is grateful for the learning opportunities students receive while working with such organizations, stating that they “give our students hands-on, invaluable experience that isn’t attainable in the classroom setting.”
Perhaps just as valuable as the hands-on learning model of many CTE programs are the teachers of these programs. Ramirez and Veeder are both HVAC professionals who bring their real-world experiences into their classrooms.
“I was able to learn a lot from my teacher because he has his own business, which allowed him to tell us what happens in real situations and how he dealt with them,” said Zwoboda.
Similar to many of Questar III’s CTE programs, students in the HVAC/R program have the opportunity to earn professional certificates and licenses before graduating from high school.
In particular, HVAC/R students are provided opportunities to obtain multiple certifications: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 608 certification, Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OHSA) 10-hour safety certification, the Heating-Electrical-Air Conditioning Technology (H.E.A.T.) certificate, and a GasTite certification to work with FlashShield CSST systems.
Furthermore, qualifying HVAC/R students can earn a CTE technical endorsement on their high school diplomas (visit the HVAC/R program webpage for specific requirements). Technical endorsements, which are imprinted seals attached to diplomas, are indications that students who earn them have met the demanding academic and industry standards of a state-approved CTE program.
Technical endorsements are valued by employers in the industry as well as higher education institutions across the country, making them beneficial to students whether they want to enter the workforce after graduation or continue on to college programs. Regardless of the paths of HVAC/R graduates, this program ensures their readiness both in college and career.
The HVAC/R program is offered at both of Questar’s CTE centers—the Columbia-Greene Educational Center (in Hudson) and the Rensselaer Educational Center (in Troy).
Learn more about the HVAC/R program here, and visit Questar III’s Facebook page for additional photos of current HVAC/R students.
Questar III CTE – HVAC/R from Questar III BOCES on Vimeo.
CTE Month continues with a spotlight on Questar’s HVAC/Renewable Energies program. Read more and check out the video here: http://news.old.questar.org/?p=4478
Posted by Questar III on Monday, February 22, 2016
