Across the United States, demand for skilled HVAC technicians and utility professionals is rising faster than the workforce pipeline can supply them. Aging infrastructure, expanding energy systems, new data centers, and increasingly complex building technologies are driving unprecedented demand for technicians who understand modern mechanical and electrical systems.
Jackson College in Michigan is addressing that challenge with the launch of its Applied Technology Center, a purpose-built facility designed to train the next generation of HVAC and utility professionals.
The new 15,000-square-foot Applied Technology Center, located on Jackson College’s Central Campus, was developed specifically to support hands-on technical training in utilities, energy systems, HVAC-R, and emerging Industry 4.0 technologies.
More than just a new building, the center represents a significant investment in modern workforce training environments that mirror real industry conditions.
HVAC training programs are expanding nationwide because the demand for skilled technicians continues to grow across multiple sectors.
Several factors are driving this demand:
Many heating and cooling systems in commercial buildings, industrial facilities, and homes are reaching the end of their operational lifespan.
At the same time, new building codes and energy efficiency initiatives require technicians trained in modern HVAC technologies and diagnostics.
Modern data centers require highly specialized cooling systems to manage heat generated by high-performance computing and artificial intelligence systems.
JCC HVAC instructor Kyle Gardynik commented on the new demand for talent: “Especially with the new data based companies coming all around these new AI places, the trades are searching for people, left and right, and there’s not enough people out there.”
Large numbers of experienced HVAC technicians are retiring, creating a need for new workers entering the field.
“The importance of our HVAC program today is there is a shortage of workers in all the skilled trades,” explained instructor Richard Scott during the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
That shortage is becoming even more visible as new technology industries expand across the Midwest.
The Applied Technology Center at Jackson College is a workforce training facility designed to prepare students for careers in essential infrastructure industries including utilities, HVAC-R, energy systems, and advanced technical trades.
The center was created in response to growing industry demand for skilled technicians and reflects a collaborative effort between the college, industry partners, and regional workforce organizations.
Key features of the facility include:
These environments allow students to practice real technical skills in spaces designed to simulate field conditions.
“The Applied Technology Center gives students access to modern equipment, real-world training environments, and clear pathways into essential careers that keep our communities running,” said Jamie Vandenburgh, Dean of Workforce, Technical and Professional Education.
Jackson College President Dr. Daniel Phelan described the facility as a major investment in regional workforce development.
“This building is about opportunity: building talent, strengthening local industry, and helping Jackson County thrive for decades to come.”
The Jackson College HVAC program combines classroom learning, digital curriculum, foundational technical skills and HVAC-specific training to ensure students graduate with relevant skills for the modern HVAC workforce.
Students begin by learning foundational technical skills around electrical systems, motor control, fluid power, etc. through structured online modules before transitioning into the lab environment, where they apply those concepts using industry-grade training systems and real HVAC equipment. This blended approach allows students to understand both the underlying principles and the real-world operation of modern heating and cooling systems.
A major component of the program is the use of advanced HVAC training systems developed by Amatrol, which are widely used in technical colleges and workforce training programs across the United States. These systems provide structured, hands-on instruction in HVAC operation, electrical systems, refrigeration cycles, and system diagnostics.
Within the lab, students learn how to:
Like many colleges, JCC has real HVAC units for students to train on, but it’s the Amatrol training systems designed for specific HVAC components and operations that sets this program apart.
“Yes, we have real units in here, so they can see what a system looks like, and it’s a pretty shell,” noted HVAC instructor Kyle Gardynik. “But in the end, these [Amatrol] systems break it right down on the proper flow diagnostics and electrical setup for them.”
The Amatrol HVAC training systems cover heat pumps, refrigerants, installation, residential and commercial HVACR, HVAC motor control, thermal science, geothermal energy, and steam systems.
JCC’s program also emphasizes diagnostics and problem-solving. Instructors introduce system faults that require students to identify issues, determine root causes, and document their findings—mirroring the exact process technicians follow on the job.
By combining digital curriculum, hands-on training systems, and real equipment, Jackson College ensures that students leave the program with both the technical knowledge and practical experience needed to step directly into HVAC careers.
Programs like the Jackson College HVAC training program help students pursue careers that offer strong earning potential, stability, and mobility.
Student Josh Reese described HVAC as a profession that can take technicians almost anywhere. “Trades are important. And I thought to myself, you know, people need that. I can do that. And more than anything, it’s a transportable skill, something I can go anywhere in the world. People will still need the work that I’m doing.”
President Phelan emphasized the broader significance of these careers during the ribbon-cutting ceremony. “When you think about it, this building is really about dignity. These are careers that require intelligence, discipline and courage and craftsmanship. They are the careers that offer stability, strong earnings for families and purpose, and for many of our students, they are the difference between getting by and getting ahead in their life.”
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