Air Equipment Company Signs on as Education First Employer with Bluegrass Community and Technical College

LEXINGTON, KY — Bluegrass Community and Technical College (BCTC) is proud to announce that Air Equipment Company (AEC) has joined the college’s Education First Employer initiative, reinforcing a shared commitment to workforce development and student success across Central Kentucky.

Air Equipment Company has provided air equipment and services for nearly every HVAC application for decades and is widely recognized for its groundbreaking innovation and ability to tackle complex mechanical challenges. The company offers a diverse line of HVAC equipment designed to create comfortable, healthy, and energy-efficient environments. Their experienced sales engineers bring extensive expertise in HVAC equipment, systems design, and technical application.

Through the Education First Employer partnership, Air Equipment Company is committing to support employees who are pursuing their education at BCTC. Students employed by the company will benefit from competitive wages, tuition reimbursement opportunities, and flexible scheduling that allows them to attend classes while gaining valuable hands-on experience in the workforce.

“Air Equipment Company exemplifies the type of industry partner that helps bridge education and career pathways,” said Dr. Greg Feeney, President and CEO of BCTC. “By supporting their employees’ educational goals while providing real-world technical experience, they are helping develop the next generation of highly skilled HVAC professionals. We are proud to welcome them as an Education First Employer and grateful for their investment in our students and region.”

“We pride ourselves on being the ‘Experts Helping Experts,’” said Matt Wilder, Regional Service Manager at Air Equipment Company. “We are proud to partner with BCTC in order to help develop and field the highest caliber young technicians possible.”

“We are proud to welcome Air Equipment Company as an Education First Employer,” said Tracy Spotts. “Their commitment to supporting employees in pursuing education while working demonstrates the kind of leadership our workforce needs. By investing in learning, they are not only strengthening their own talent pipeline but also creating meaningful career pathways for our students and community.”

The Education First Employer initiative encourages regional employers to actively support employees pursuing higher education by offering flexible scheduling, tuition assistance, and career advancement opportunities while they work.

Through partnerships like this, BCTC continues to strengthen connections between education and industry, ensuring students gain both the academic preparation and practical experience needed to succeed in high-demand technical careers.

For more information about Education First Employer, please contact Dr. Tracy Spotts at tracy.spotts@kctcs.edu.