HVAC technicians work with heating and cooling systems.
Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (or HVAC) is expected to grow by 28 percent in the years between 2008 and 2018, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. For those seeking the requisite training in the field, there are a variety of options at community colleges in Illinois. While most of these are in the greater Chicago area, Springfield area residents may also pursue an education in the field.
Elgin Community College
Elgin Community College offers several programs for students seeking vocational education in HVAC. Students can pursue an associate in applied science in either energy management or heating, air conditioning and refrigeration, or certificates in heating, air conditioning and refrigeration, energy management or sheet metal mechanics. The college is home to a laboratory where students can practice their trade on two 20 ton and two 18.5 ton dual duct systems, as well as other equipment. The school boasts a high level of personal attention for students from professionals working in the industry as well as experienced teachers.
Elgin Community College
1700 Spartan Drive
Elgin, IL 60123-7193
847-697-1000
elgin.edu
Lincoln Land Community College
Lincoln Land Community College serves the greater Springfield area. Lincoln Land Community College has a program in air conditioning, refrigration and heating that takes 26 credit hours to complete. The course prepares graduates to repair, install and service HVAC systems in commercial and residential buildings. Students in the program may specialize in either duct design or heating pump systems. Students must begin their training in the fall because of the order classes are in. Further, students must have basic tools before beginning the program, the approximate cost of which is $500 as of 2010.
Lincoln Land Community College
5250 Shepherd Road
Springfield, IL 62794-9256
217-786-2200
llcc.edu
Oakton Community College
Oaking Community College offers training in air conditioning, heating and refrigeration technology. Three certificate programs are available--residential comfort systems installers, residential comfort control and boiler operations. The last of these allows students the basis to continue their education by working for their stationary engineer's license. Classes include sheet metal fabrication, air conditioning, pneumatic controls, automatic controls and both low- and high-pressure boiler systems.
Oakton Community Colleges has campuses in both Skokie and Des Plaines.
Oakton Community College
1600 E. Golf Road
Des Plaines, IL 60016
847-635-1600
oakton.edu
Waubonsee Community College
The Waubonsee Community College in Sugar Grove offers three programs in HVAC. Students may pursue an associate of applied science degree in HVAC. Additionally, the college offers students certificates in facility service technology and HVAC. All programs offer access to actual equipment where students can work on their skills diagnosing and repairing climate control equipment.
Waubonsee Community College
4S783 State Route 47
Sugar Grove, IL 60554
630-466-7900
waubonsee.edu
Tags: Community College, Land Community, Land Community College, Lincoln Land, Lincoln Land Community, Elgin Community, Elgin Community College
