OAK CREEK, Wis. (Feb. 10, 2005) - Milwaukee Area Technical College is one of four colleges nationwide selected by Johnson Controls, Inc. to participate in CAREERCONNECT, a new collaborative program dedicated to training the next generation of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) technicians.
Through CAREERCONNECT, Johnson Controls will donate more than $50,000 in resources to each partner school to enhance its teaching environment, HVAC curriculum and students’ learning experience. The company’s contributions will include instruction from industry experts, learning materials, equipment donations and faculty training, and will be implemented during the fall 2005 semester. MATC’s associate degree and technical diploma programs are housed at the Oak Creek Campus, 6665 S. Howell Ave.
The goal of CAREERCONNECT is to increase the number of skilled graduates entering the workforce from HVAC programs. Johnson Controls devised the program in response to 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.
“We are extremely pleased to have been chosen to work in partnership with Johnson Controls on the CARRERCONNECT Program,” said James Walsh, MATC interim provost. “We expect this partnership to enhance and expand our already successful HVAC program. It will increase and improve placement opportunities for our graduates.”
Tom Healy, branch manager of Johnson Controls, Inc. in Milwaukee, said the company developed CAREERCONNECT because of growing demands in its business. “We at Johnson Controls felt we needed to take action beyond recruitment to develop the kind of talent we seek,” Healy said. “Students who graduate from MATC or other colleges with the CAREERCONNECT program will be among the best candidates the industry has to offer. The program exemplifies the company’s dedication to the communities in which it serves.”
The other three colleges selected to participate in this program include Greenville Technical College, Greenville, S.C.; Bishop State Community College, Mobile, Ala.; and Dunwoody College of Technology, Minneapolis, Minn. Colleges were evaluated based on school and program demographics, including diversity statistics, curriculum and ability to modify it, geographic areas served, enrollments, placement statistics, strategies and relationships with Johnson Controls.
Students interested in investigating MATC’s HVAC program should call Nancy Gehrking, (414) 571-4599.
Johnson Controls, Inc. is a global market leader in automotive systems and facility management and control. In the automotive market, it is a major supplier of integrated seating and interior systems, and batteries. For non-residential facilities, Johnson Controls provides control systems including comfort, energy and security management. Johnson Controls (NYSE:JCI), founded in 1885, has its headquarters in Milwaukee, Wis. Its sales for 2004 totaled $26.6 billion. For more information on Johnson Controls, Inc., visit the company’s Web site at www.johnsoncontrols.com.
The largest technical college in the state, Milwaukee Area Technical College is a key driver of the economy in southeastern Wisconsin. MATC offers more than 170 degrees and certificates, including transfer credits allowing students to complete their sophomore work toward baccalaureate degrees at participating four-year colleges and universities. About 60,000 students per year attend the college’s four campuses, numerous evening centers and distance learning programs. Overwhelmingly, MATC graduates build careers and businesses right here at home. Visit www.matc.edu.