FLORENCE, SC (WBTW) – Florence-Darlington Technical College is launching a new dual-enrollment program aimed at preparing local students for careers in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. Another purpose of the program is to address a lack of tradespeople in the Pee Dee.
The classes will be open to juniors and seniors at Florence School District One. Students will take two classes each semester for two years. They will be eligible for college credit, internships and scholarships. They’ll spend half of their time in the classroom learning the fundamentals and half in the HVAC center getting hands on experience. Matt Lewis, the instructor of the class, says there’s more to an air conditioning career than most people realize.
“For instance, I come from a refrigeration background doing grocery store maintenance. Go to industrial plants working on chillers. Go to small appliances. There’s plenty of opportunities out there in this field,” he said. “The sky’s the limit on what an air conditioning tech can make out there. You can work for an employer or you can go run your own business. There’s plenty of opportunities for that person that wants to go through this program.”
The program is a partnership between FDTC and Florence One. It’s also being sponsored by local HVAC contractors who say trade jobs aren’t being filled because young adults are more interested in white collar jobs than blue collar jobs.
“We’re lacking employment for those, for HVAC. We need electricians and we need plumbers,” said Tommy Walkup, owner of Walkup Electrical Construction. “It’s more hands-on. Of course, it’s outside in the elements. A lot of young guys today want inside jobs but it’s a good paying job. Good benefits. It’s an excellent opportunity for a male or female.”
Students can register for the HVAC program starting Tuesday, August 7. The classes will be held inside the Automotive and HVAC Technology Center every morning for three hours for 12 weeks each semester.