With students at the heart of our mission, the Bluegrass Community and Technical College (BCTC) provides open access to excellence in teaching and learning. Through comprehensive and responsive programs and services, we sustain a strong partnership with the community to improve economic vitality and quality of life in the region.
Bluegrass Community and Technical College was formed in 2005 following the consolidation of Central Kentucky Technical College and Lexington Community College. Bluegrass Community and Technical College is a member of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System and is a public two-year degree granting institution serving the Bluegrass Region of Kentucky.
The Associate in Applied Science degree program in Air Conditioning Technology was designed to provide a two-year degree program that meets specific workforce needs in the seventeen counties served by BCTC. Business and industry is extremely supportive of the AAS degree in Air Conditioning Technology as evidenced by the accompanying letters of support (Appendix A) as well as in the needs assessment surveys (Appendix B). Advisory committee members have been unanimous in their support for this degree, indicating that it will benefit both their companies and the students. Many advisory committee members require employees to have an associate degree before they can advance into management positions.
Through 2014, employment of HVAC technicians is expected to increase about as fast as the average. This will be due to demand for energy efficient air-conditioning, heating, and ventilation systems. For HVAC technicians that specialize in new installation, job openings occur during peak construction times. The constant need for repair and maintenance, as well as new technologies that provide increased efficiency, provide employment at all times of the year.
Because of the increasing sophistication of air conditioning and refrigeration systems, employers require advanced training for employees. HVAC technicians require training in theory, design, and equipment construction, but also in welding, blueprint reading, mathematics, science, and electronics. HVAC technicians install and maintain the many mechanical, electrical and electronic components, such as motors, compressors, pumps, fans, ducts, pipes, thermostats and switches, that are part of the air conditioning systems. Technicians must be able to maintain, diagnose, and correct problems throughout the entire system using specialized tools and testing equipment.
All technicians who purchase or work with refrigerants must be certified in the proper handling by passing one of three types of written examinations. These tests are administered by organizations approved by the Environmental Protection Agency.
Skills obtained through the AAS in Air Conditioning Technology will provide the advanced skills required to deal with complex systems, controls, and environmental issues. Additional communications and business skills will improve the ability to work with clients and customers as well as to move into marketing, sales, and management positions.
The work of air conditioning service technicians and mechanics has evolved from mechanical repair to a high technology job. Today, integrated electronic systems and complex computers control complex systems and measure their performance. Technicians must have an increasingly broad base of knowledge about how air conditioning complex system components work and interact, as well as the ability to work with electronic diagnostic equipment and computer-based technical reference materials. Air conditioning service technicians and mechanics use their high-tech skills to inspect, maintain, and repair heating, air-conditioning, ventilation, and refrigeration systems in residential and commercial applications. The increasing sophistication of air conditioning technology now requires workers who can use computerized shop equipment and work with electronic components while maintaining their skills with traditional hand tools.
Installing and servicing heating, air conditioning and refrigeration equipment is the focus of this program. Academic courses, theory courses, and laboratory experiences promote success in the air conditioning field.
Electives** 8-11