MILWAUKEE - Oklahoma State University-Okmulgee has been selected by Johnson Controls Inc. to participate in a collaborative program dedicated to training the next generation of HVAC technicians. An agreement outlining the commitment was signed on Nov. 13.

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 area high school students about a career in HVAC. The market value of the program to OSU-Okmulgee is more than $15,000 over three years.

To date, OSU-Okmulgee is one of seven partnerships that Johnson Controls has established with U.S. community colleges for inclusion in CareerConnect. “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,” said David Werts, vice president-Northwest region, Johnson Controls. “Students who graduate from the HVAC program at OSU-Okmulgee will be among the best candidates the industry has to offer in this region.”

The overall goal of the program is to increase the number of skilled graduates of HVAC programs entering the workforce. “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 of air conditioning and refrigeration technology, OSU-Okmulgee.

For more information, visit www.osu-okmulgee.edu.

Publication date: 12/25/2006