The Blinn College District Division of Technical and Community Education will offer HART 1307: Refrigeration Principles beginning Tuesday, Sept. 22, at the new Agriculture and Workforce Education Complex located at the RELLIS Campus in Bryan.
The 64-contact-hour course meets Tuesdays and Thursdays and can be applied to Blinn’s new Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees in HVAC and facilities maintenance. The class also counts toward occupational skills awards and Level 1 and 2 certificates that can be used as standalone awards for entry into the workforce.
“This course introduces students to key concepts and the skills necessary to succeed in the HVAC and facilities maintenance fields,” said Karla Flanagan, Dean of the Division of Technical and Community Education. “Students can use this material to work toward one of our AAS degrees or a certificate that helps open the door to high-demand management positions.”
Refrigeration Principles teaches students to identify refrigeration components and explains the operation of a basic refrigeration cycle and heat transfer. Students also learn the proper use of tools, test equipment, and safety procedures. Knowledge of HVAC components, systems, and equipment in commercial, residential, and industrial settings is vital for students entering the HVAC technician or facilities maintenance fields.
The course follows the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) curriculum, a nationally recognized curriculum developed by construction CEOs, trade association officials, and academic leaders.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, HVAC and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn a median salary of $48,730 per year and employment is expected to grow 13% (much faster than average) between 2018 and 2028. General maintenance and repair workers earn a median salary of $39,080 per year and employment is expected to increase 6% during the same time period.
In addition to HVAC and facilities management, Blinn also has introduced AAS degrees in carpentry and water purification in Fall 2020. All four degrees were developed in partnership with local industry and lead to high-wage, high-demand careers.
To register for the course or learn more about Blinn’s four new AAS degrees, visit www.blinn.edu/workforce or call 979-209-7205.