Written on: August 13, 2021 by ICM
Volusia County Schools in Deltona, FL has officially launched a new heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) program at Pine Ridge High School.
The new Heating/Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Mechanics/Installers and Heating/Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Mechanics program debuts this month. The vocational program is available to high school students across Volusia County and is only the second program of its kind in the state of Florida.
“One of the things that stood out to me about Volusia County Schools was the need and desire to expand in Career Technical Education (CTE),” said VCS Superintendent Dr. Scott Fritz. “This vocational and certification program will prepare our students to enter the workforce and make a positive impact in our community.”
In February, VCS was awarded a $531,457 state grant through the Florida Pathways to Career Opportunities Grant for the program’s equipment, software, computers, and curriculum. The district built a facility to house larger training machinery, and the program also has a classroom. The school district plans to add more vocational programs in the coming years.
This is VCS’ first program for heating and air conditioning – a career field in high demand in Florida. Students will have the opportunity to earn industry certifications and will complete a pre-apprenticeship the summer before their senior year.
UA Local 295 Apprenticeship in Daytona Beach worked with VCS to develop the curriculum and pre-apprenticeship experience. UA Local 295 and local business owners/operators are serving on the program’s advisory board, and many local businesses have pledged to work with the program’s students.
