Greenville Technical College recently unveiled new labs and classrooms for its HVAC and industrial electricity programs.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held Sept. 18 for the new education space in the Willie B. McMahand Engineering Technologies Building on the college’s Barton Campus in Greenville. Candice Lewis, Greenville Technical College’s vice president for learning and workforce development, said the new labs and classrooms are a clear answer to workforce-development needs.
According to Greenville Technical College, there are 165 job openings for HVAC technicians in Greenville County and 133 openings for industrial electricity technicians. Enrollment in the college’s HVAC and industrial electricity programs for the fall semester increased by more than 50% since last year.
“The opportunities are promising,” said Greenville Technical College President Larry Miller. “HVAC experts in our area earn, on average, just shy of $60,000 annually. Industrial electricity graduates can earn over $62,000 on average.”
Approximately 16,200 square feet of educational space was renovated for the HVAC and industrial electricity programs. It was also outfitted with new high-tech tools designed to simulate real-world commercial and industrial scenarios for students.
The HVAC program uses educational tools such as smart home HVAC automation modules, energy recovery ventilation systems and building management system trainers. Students in the industrial electricity program will utilize programmable logic controllers, variable frequency drives, motor control trainers and more.
Photo by Megan FitzgeraldMiller said both the HVAC and industrial electricity certifications require three semesters of full-time study. Students who complete a certification can also go on to earn an associate degree.
The HVAC and industrial electricity labs will also be utilized by Greenville County Schools students completing dual enrollment courses at Greenville Technical College. Greenville County Schools Superintendent Burke Royster said students from almost all the district’s high schools take advantage of dual enrollment opportunities.
The college also partners with Greenville County Schools and OnTrack Greenville to offer Accelerate U to students at Southside, Berea and Carolina high schools. Students receive HVAC, industrial electricity, aircraft and welding instruction at the college.
Looking ahead, Greenville Technical College plans to renovate the remainder of the Engineering Technologies Building into the new Center for Industrial Cybersecurity and AI. The college secured state funding for the project.
For more information on Greenville Technical College, visit gvltec.edu.
Rendering by McMillan Pazdan SmithWorkforce need
For HVAC technicians, there are 165 job openings in Greenville County and 1,465 openings across the South Carolina.
For industrial electricity, there are 133 job openings in Greenville County and 259 technicians projected to be needed in Upstate South Carolina over the next five years.
