Bevill State Community College recently hosted a commencement ceremony for graduates of its spring 2021 HVAC Fast Track Program.
Eight students completed the 11-week program preparing them for successful careers as HVAC technicians.
Spring 2021 graduates are:
- Jeffery Adair, Haleyville.
- Blake Carroll, Quinton.
- Joshua Cook, Birmingham.
- Cedric Davis, Pike Road.
- Eddie Kirkland, Pinson.
- Cheyenne Moore, Maylene.
- Carter Moorer, Hayden.
- Quilin Tarrance, Adamsville.
The HVAC Fast Track Program is a partnership between Alabama Power and Bevill State to help address an emerging workforce need. The HVACR Workforce Foundation cites a shortage in the U.S. of more than 170,000 technicians skilled at installing, servicing and repairing heating, central air conditioning, HVAC and refrigeration systems.
“We’re proud to work alongside Bevill State, as well as other local colleges and universities, to provide students the necessary training to have meaningful careers in skilled trades,” said Jeff Peoples, Alabama Power executive vice president of Customer and Employee Services. “By working together on these workforce investments, we’re creating opportunities in Alabama communities and addressing emerging industry needs.”
Through the program, students receive training in a state-of-the-art facility in Jasper and learn diagnostic techniques, use of testing equipment and principles of mechanics, electricity and electronics related to repair. Students who complete the program earn Bevill State and EPA Section 608 Refrigerant certifications, preparing them to take the State of Alabama HVACR Contractors Exam.
“As a U.S. Navy veteran and someone who has bounced around at different jobs, the HVAC program provided me an opportunity for a career,” said graduate Kirkland.
“My family financial situation did not afford me access to the typical community college program. Through this partnership between Alabama Power and Bevill State, I was able to get a scholarship and complete the program. Now my future looks bright,” Kirkland said.
In addition, graduates have the opportunity to interview with prospective employers at the completion of the program. Previous program graduates have joined the workforce and the response from hiring companies has been favorable.
The application window has closed for the summer 2021 class and selections are underway.
Applications will open this August for the spring 2022 class. Enrollment is open to high school graduates or people earning GED diplomas, age 18 and older. The program has limited seating and scholarships are available.
Click here to learn more or contact Wendy Jenkins at 1-800-648-3271, ext. 5713 or [email protected].
(Courtesy of Alabama NewsCenter)
