HVAC

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Interested in how buildings stay comfortable? Learn heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems using professional tools, diagnostic equipment, and industry practices.

(6 Credits)

Develop essential HVAC and refrigeration skills through hands‑on training in heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and sheet‑metal work. You’ll size, install, and maintain furnace, heat pump, electric/gas systems, and ductwork—all while learning to interpret blueprints and apply industry code standards. The program includes OSHA‑10 certification and prepares graduates for apprenticeships, entry‑level HVAC technician roles, or further technical education in a high‑demand field.

Major Topics

Basic commercial refrigeration
Basic electricity
Blueprint reading
Compressors
Electric motors
Electronic air-cleaning
Energy management systems
Equipment installation
Heat Pumps
Layout, & installation
Refrigerant Recovery
Sheet metal layout and design
Thermostats

Past Student, "After over a year in the HVAC field, I can say the program at CCCTC gave me a real advantage. The hands-on training, especially real-life projects and fun projects like building hovercrafts, made complex concepts easier to understand. Mr. Shamer was awesome; he made sure we mastered safety and industry codes. The EPA certification got me the job I have. I felt confident starting my career because of what I learned in the program."

Instructor

Kent Shamer

Titles: HVAC Teacher

Email:

Phone Numbers:
Work: 410-751-3669

Is this your future?

Are You Ready?

Students who enjoy this program are able to.....

Safety & Physical Readiness

Be Here and Ready to Work – Attend consistently and stay focused; hands-on lab/shop time cannot be made up at home.
Take Responsibility for Safety – Follow all safety rules without reminders and stay alert to your surroundings at all times.
Handle Tools & Equipment Safely – Use hand and power tools precisely, carefully, and responsibly.
Use Hand-Eye Coordination & Manual Dexterity – Manipulate tools and materials accurately to complete tasks successfully.
Show Physical Stamina – Stand, bend, kneel, lift, and perform physically demanding tasks safely for extended periods.
Adapt to Real Job Conditions – Tolerate noise, dust, odors, and varied temperatures while maintaining focus.
Work in Confined Spaces & at Heights – Comfortably work on ladders, scaffolding, or in tight areas as needed.

Work & Professional Skills

Demonstrate Dependability & Strong Work Ethic – Show up prepared, motivated, and accountable for your actions.
Follow Multi-Step Directions – Read blueprints, follow wiring diagrams, and complete tasks in the correct sequence.
Work Independently & in Teams – Collaborate effectively while managing individual responsibilities safely.
Apply Math & Problem-Solving Skills – Use measurements, calculations, and critical thinking to troubleshoot HVAC systems.
Communicate & Act Professionally – Share information clearly, report issues responsibly, and follow workplace etiquette.
Understand Electrical & Mechanical Systems – Comprehend basic electrical circuits, refrigeration cycles, and HVAC system components.
Maintain Equipment & Tools – Perform regular maintenance on tools and equipment to ensure optimal performance.
Stay Current with Industry Standards – Keep up-to-date with HVAC regulations, technologies, and best practices.
Exhibit Professional Behavior – Show pride, accountability, and respect in all aspects of your work.

Do you see yourself in this career (vidoes)

Where this program can take you

CCCTC is just the beginning of your journey

Where This Program Can Take You

ENTRY LEVEL
With CCCTC, start a career right after high school:

Building Maintenance Worker
HVAC Technician / Mechanic
Refrigeration Technician / Mechanic
HVAC Installer
Sheet Metal / Ductwork Worker

TECHNICAL LEVEL
Build on CCCTC skills with a 2-year associate degree or trade school:

HVAC / Plumbing Mechanic
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers
HVAC Sales Specialist
HVAC Project Installer Supervisor
Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators
Solar Thermal Installers and Technicians
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door

PROFESSIONAL LEVEL
Combine CCCTC and a 4-year degree to access high-level opportunities:

HVAC Restoration Supervisor (Commercial)
Construction project manager
Site Forman

YouTube videos and career resources (caution: third-party content):

(Confused? Then try this CAREER SITE)

How CCCTC Gets You There

How this program prepares me

EARN VALUABLE CERTIFICATIONS

The National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER)

OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)

EPA certification

Student can obtain their OSHA-10 Certification and their Academic Craft Core Skills Certification. Certification shows that you have the skills and knowledge for your career field. This adds value to a student's high school experience by allowing them to have proof of their abilities that would take time and money AFTER they graduate.

CAREER ADVANTAGE

Start your career NOW
Work with industry grade technology that our local business partners use every day and become certified by OSHA. This shows employers you are trained in construction and have the skills the industry is looking for in for an apprentice in HVAC. These skills allow the best students to come back as CCCTC interns or find an internship at a local business.

EARN COLLEGE CREDIT

HVAC partners with these schools
Students can earn college credits in this program through our agreements with these colleges:

Frederick Community College – 9 credits
Penn College of Technology – TBD
The Community College of Baltimore County – 10 credits
University of Northwestern Ohio – 6 credits

Contact the college or trade school you plan to attend and find out if you can earn credits or advanced standing at their institution!

COLLEGE ADVANTAGE

Get a jump start on college
Use college level texts to earn college credit while having the training, skills, and experience that most high school graduates do not get until they are well into their college major. This program puts you in touch with state-of-the-art technology, industry codes, and real-life scenarios, so students can experience their chosen career field before they go to college. Check out this a college major in HVAC at the Pennsylvania College of Technology (more)

CAREER ADVANTAGE

Start your career NOW
Work with industry grade technology that our local business partners use every day and become certified by OSHA. This shows employers you are trained in construction and have the skills the industry is looking for in for an apprentice in HVAC. These skills allow the best students to come back as CCCTC interns or find an internship at a local business.

Connection I will make

The National Center for Construction Education and Research
From their website, "Our vision is to be universally recognized by industry and government as the training, assessment, certification and career development standard for construction and maintenance craft professionals."

Penn College of Technology, Frederick Community College, The Community Colleges of Baltimore County, and Northwest Ohio University
These colleges have an agreement with CCCTC based on the college's requirements for curriculum, faculties, and instructor. These requirements are reviewed and renewed periodically to guarantee that students are getting the equivalent instruction at CCCTC that would be expected in classes at that institution. Credits are awarded based on that agreement.

PROFESSIONAL ADVISORY COUNSEL
By Federal and state regulations, each program has a group of local business and educational institutions that periodically meets to discuss the program's curriculum and resources to make sure current trends in technology and skills are being taught so that students are prepared for the ever-changing career requirements for that industry.

Equipment

Brief Description

The HVAC Program includes instruction in air conditioning, refrigeration, heating, and sheet metal. The air conditioning and refrigeration component includes instruction in sizing, layout, installation, and maintenance of oil, gas, electric, and heat pump forced air heating systems. Also, the students study residential type air conditioning and light commercial refrigeration. Repair of old systems is also covered. The students are instructed on work layouts, reading blueprints and drawings. The sheet metal component includes instruction on cutting and assembling ductwork.