Workforce Certificate

Air Conditioning Refrigeration and Heating Technology (5604)

Heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) may be the most complex part of the construction process. HVAC systems integrate mechanical, electrical, and electronic motors, compressors, pumps, fans, ducts, pipes and thermostats that operate with the flick of a switch or the touch of a panel. Refrigeration systems for the shipping and storage of food, medicine and other perishable items have become an industry vital to international trade and homeland security.

Earning this certificate can be the starting point of a very satisfying career, which pays higher than average hourly wages. This program provides exit points for those who wish to specialize in a specific area.

Career Opportunities, Rapid Placement
Florida’s growth is soaring; Jacksonville is a boomtown. And much of the city and state are being built by graduates of our construction programs. The employment rate in all trades is 100%. No Florida Community College student who wants a job goes without a job.

You have the opportunity to network with major contractors and become employed while you’re still in school. We also refer you for internships and job interviews. This certificate is part of Florida Community College’s Building Construction program, which has a long-standing relationship with the region’s major industry organizations, such as Woods Engineering, C. Young Construction, Superior Construction, Paul Fraser Homes, Stellar Group, C & C Powerlines, Dickey Smith & Company, Miatt Construction and Accubuild Construction.

Members of the Northeast Florida Builders Association serve on our Construction Management Advisory Council and on advisory committees for all trades, as well as provide internships and fund annual scholarships. The advisory committees provide leadership, support and guidance for the program and support such educational activities as constructing residential projects from design to move in.

Annual Salaries
Starting salaries range from $16 to $20 an hour. Overtime, bonuses, rapid advancement and opportunities for self-employment can rapidly increase your income.

Application Procedure
The Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) is a major criterion in a student’s completion of the program. Students who fail to meet the State of Florida’s designated exit score will be required to complete the Vocational Preparatory Instruction (VPI). In order to complete the program successfully, students must achieve or surpass the designated exit score(s). See Standards of Academic Progress.

Students in this program should be advised by the instructor or the program manager before enrolling in courses.

Cost
Estimated tuition is $2,561 (for Florida residents, as of 7/06). Estimated cost for books and materials is $300.

Air Conditioning Refrigeration and Heating Technology (5604)
Curriculum

Professional Courses		Contact Hours	Workforce Credits
*VPI 0100	Basic Reading Skills
*VPI 0200	Basic Mathematical Skills
*VPI 0300	Basic Language Skills
ACR 0930	Postsecondary Internship (optional)
ACR 0001	Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Theory I	125	4.0
or ACR 0936 Technical Career   Exploration		30	1.0
and ACR 0012 Beginning Air    Conditioning and Refrigeration Theory		95	3.0
ACR 0100	Basic Electricity and Schematics	125	4.0
ACR 0002	Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Theory II	125	4.0
ACR 0621	Applied Heating	125	4.0
ACR 0001L	Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Lab I	125	4.0
ACR 0002L	Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Lab II	125	4.0
ACR 0622	Heating Lab	125	4.0
ACR 0102	Applied Electricity and Schematics	125	4.0
**ACR 0575	Piping	117	4.0
or **ACR 0930B Postsecondary   Internship
ACR 0577	HVAC Controls	116	4.0
ACR 0578	Refrigeration Controls	117	4.0
	Total Contact Hours	1,350	44.0

*Students who have satisfactory test scores are not required to take these courses.
**See program advisor to assure proper course selection.