MILWAUKEE – (November 9, 2006) – In a time of high demand for skilled building technicians, Oklahoma State University-Okmulgee has been selected by Johnson Controls, Inc. to participate in a collaborative program dedicated to training the next generation of heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) technicians. An agreement outlining the commitment will be signed on Nov. 13, 2006.
Through the CAREERCONNECT program, Johnson Controls donates resources to partnering schools to enhance their learning environments, HVAC program curriculum and students’ experience. The company’s contributions to OSU-Okmulgee include scholarships, instruction from industry experts, learning materials, and faculty training.
Johnson Controls will also team with the technical school to educate high school students in the area about a career in HVAC. The market value of the CAREERCONNECT program to OSU-Okmulgee is more than $15,000 over three years.
The overall goal of CAREERCONNECT is to increase the number of skilled graduates of HVAC programs entering the workforce. An occupation report for HVAC mechanics and installers in Oklahoma predicts that employment will jump to 2,630 jobs in 2012 from 2,050 in 2002. Nationwide, it is estimated that from the years 2008 to 2012, 22,000 job opportunities in the field of HVAC skilled trades will go unfilled every year. Factors contributing to the shortage include a lagging number of HVAC program graduates entering the trade, an aging workforce, and an increasing demand to transform buildings into cost-effective and efficient facilities.
“To meet the needs of our growing service business, we are taking action that goes beyond recruitment to develop the kind of talent we look for in professional service technicians. Students who graduate from the HVAC program at OSU-Okmulgee will be among the best candidates the industry has to offer in this region,” said David Werts, Vice President-Northwest Region, Johnson Controls.
To date, OSU-Okmulgee is one of seven partnerships that Johnson Controls has established with U.S. community colleges for inclusion in CAREERCONNECT. Colleges are evaluated based on school and program demographics including diversity statistics, curriculum and ability to modify it, geographic areas served, enrollments, placement statistics, strategies, and its relationship with Johnson Controls.
“In our experience, industry partnerships have proven an excellent way to ensure that our programs stay current and our graduates are well prepared. We are excited to partner with Johnson Controls and its CAREERCONNECT program to strengthen our HVAC service program and to continue producing the best graduates in this field,” said Paul Margwarth, Instructor-Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technology, OSU-Okmulgee.
The CAREERCONNECT program exemplifies the company’s dedication to the communities in which it serves. Through its local network of service professionals, Johnson Controls offers a team of experts and a range of service solutions designed to improve facility performance and keep customer facilities running right.
About Oklahoma State University - Okmulgee
OSU-Okmulgee, the technical education branch of Oklahoma State University, is one of the nation’s leading technical colleges. The HVAC industry specific program of study leads to an Associate in Applied Science degree. For more information, visit www.osu-okmulgee.edu.
About Johnson Controls, Inc.
Johnson Controls is a global leader in interior experience, building efficiency and power solutions. The company provides innovative automotive interiors that help make driving more comfortable, safe and enjoyable. For buildings, it offers products and services that optimize energy use and improve comfort and security. Johnson Controls also provides batteries for automobiles and hybrid electric vehicles, along with systems engineering and service expertise. Johnson Controls (NYSE: JCI) has 136,000 employees in more than 1,000 locations serving customers in 125 countries. Founded in 1885, the company is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. For additional information, please visit www.johnsoncontrols.com.