HGTC Receives Support from Harris Integrated Solutions for HVAC
(left to right): Braden Bright, DDC Service Technician, Harris Integrated Solutions; Tony Holcomb, Energy Consultant, Harris Integrated Solutions; Stacey Foxworth, Professor HVAC, HGTC; Stephen Ford, Project Manager, Harris Integrated Solutions; and Ira Lewis, Installation Technician, Harris Integrated Solutions.
Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC) recently received support from Harris Integrated Solutions to enhance the HVAC program. Over $5,000.00 in materials and labor was donated by the company for the installation of an HVAC Automated Control System. Tony Holcomb, Energy Solutions Consultant, has served on the HGTC HVAC Advisory Committee for several years and believes the quality of HGTC graduating technicians is impressive.
“HVAC is the trade which requires the most extensive knowledge and skill base. Not just anyone can install or repair a system. Technicians must understand electrical, plumbing, aerodynamics, thermodynamics, and even a splash of computer technology,” said Holcomb. “Today, the most basic air conditioner or heater uses algorithms and calculations to keep homes and offices comfortable. The controls are the ‘brains’ of an HVAC unit and one of the most complex parts. If they are not understood, maintained, and repaired properly, it can wreck a system.”
According to Holcomb, HVAC students are taught how to repair a system correctly, interact with customers, and perform in a professional manner.
“HGTC students are the service technicians employers need to further fuel their businesses. Harris Integrated Solutions was glad to assist in donating to that process whether they come to work for us or not. We want to help them be the best technicians they can and give them the proper tools they need to accomplish that goal,” Holcomb continued.
Heating and cooling companies in Horry and Georgetown counties need more trained service technicians. HGTC is working to meet that demand. HGTC offers both day and evening classes for its residential HVAC service technician program on its Conway campus, and this fall it will begin offering evening classes on its Georgetown Campus.
“Every time I go to the annual job fair, I see twice as many HVAC companies as I do graduates. Since there is a severe shortage of HVAC technicians, especially in HVAC controls, Harris Integrated Solutions wants to do its part to fill that gap in whatever way possible.”
Every private residence and small business need the services of skilled technicians trained in the installation, maintenance, and repair of air conditioning, refrigeration, and heating systems. The Residential HVAC Service Technician certificate opens many doors of opportunity for HGTC graduates. The self-motivated graduate from this program has the technical training to work as an installation specialist, service technician, service manager, or sales representative anywhere in the country. This program is approved by the local HVAC industry through a program advisory committee.
To graduate, a student must pass the Core and Type Two sections of the EPA examination. Additionally, all students are required to take the Residential Air Conditioning and Heating Industrial Competency Exam (ICE).