In the U.S., over 90% of homes have air conditioning and around 60% have a furnace as their primary heating system, according to the U.S. Census and HomeServe USA. As these systems become more complex with new inverter technology and multistage blowers, Moraine Valley Community College’s Heating and Air Conditioning Program prepares students for rewarding careers as technicians, salespeople, contractors and comfort advisors.
The Heating and Air Conditioning Program prepares students for advanced careers in heating, air conditioning and refrigeration. Students build the technical knowledge needed to install, maintain and service these systems in a variety of settings. The program can be completed in as little as one semester for a certificate or four semesters for a Stationary Engineer Associate of Applied Science degree. Certificates include Basic Air Conditioning Technician, Commercial Systems Service Technician, Electrical Troubleshooting, HAC Stationary Engineer and Heating and Air Conditioning.
“We are a career-driven program, and that means the students are going to utilize their hands from the very beginning,” said Paul Bojko, Heating and Air Conditioning program coordinator. “We’ve worked with students who have never used a screwdriver and helped them build the knowledge and confidence to use complex tools and machinery.”
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, around 40,600 openings for heating, air conditioning and refrigeration mechanics and installers are projected each year, on average, over the next 10 years. The industry also is projected to grow 11% from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations. “There’s going to be a huge demand for service technicians being out in the field working on the heating and cooling equipment that we’re all accustomed to,” Bojko said.
Jacob Jeeninga, of Alsip, is pursuing an associate degree and is projected to graduate in 2027. Through the program, he found both purpose and a career path. “I love learning about and doing something that makes the world turn, especially when it’s something people rely on every day without even realizing it,” Jeeninga said. “This program sets students up to provide comfort for people in all kinds of weather, and I couldn’t be prouder to be part of it.”
Bojko also is excited about the program’s growth and the new equipment, tools, educational materials and books being incorporated into the curriculum. “Our goal is to continue growing and become not only the best HVAC program in the southwest suburbs but throughout the Chicagoland area. Ultimately, we want them to be successful, and this is the perfect steppingstone to do that.”
To learn more about Moraine Valley’s Heating and Air Conditioning Program, visit morainevalley.edu/skilled-trades-and-mechanical-technology/#HVAC.
For news media inquiries, contact Joshua Lahey, Moraine Valley communications specialist, at (708) 974-5652 or laheyj5@morainevalley.edu.
