Students in the Academy will choose to study one of the critical areas of Construction Technology, including Carpentry, Plumbing and Pipefitting, HVAC/R, Electrical or Welding. Our dedicated staff in the Academy of Construction Technology are experienced professionals in the construction field. In addition, GCIT has formed partnerships with labor unions and businesses in this area who lend expert guidance and offer employment opportunities to our students. Senior students may have the opportunity to participate in Structured Learning Experiences where School to Work is an option.
GCIT students have the opportunity to successfully compete in local, state, and national Career Technical Student Organization (CTSO) competitions. In fact, our students have earned many gold medals in the annual state SkillsUSA competition.
The Academy of Construction Technology has an Advisory Committee also made up of experts in the construction field. These experienced professionals keep the construction programs abreast of industry trends so that students learn 21st century skills and are ready for the workforce upon graduation.
HEATING, VENTILATION & AIR CONDITIONING / REFRIGERATION SPECIALIZATION
This HVAC/R course involves equipment used for heating, cooling, and cleaning indoor air and equipment for preserving food and other perishable products. It covers furnaces and air conditioners used in homes and businesses and the equipment used in retail, commercial, and industrial enterprises to preserve and pack food and other perishables.
The students will learn the proper use of the tools and instruments of the HVAC/R industry. The student will learn to service and install HVAC/R equipment to industry standards through classroom instruction and hands-on labs. First-year students will learn the fundamentals of HVAC/R, which includes on-the-job safety, various piping techniques and fabrication, basic electrical theory, and various piping techniques and fabrication. Second-year students will learn refrigerant handling, recovery of refrigerants, and the refrigeration cycle and controls. Students will also do the OSHA 10 training and certification test. Third- and fourth-year students will cover fossil fuel heating equipment and air conditioning systems, including certification training for Omega Flex CSST gas piping. This course will also cover psychometrics, airflow testing, system charging, HVAC/R troubleshooting, and sheet metal fabrication. Students will also receive their EPA section 608 training and Universal certification.
Because of the widespread use of HVAC/R equipment, there are many career opportunities. Available jobs include small local firms, commercial and industrial companies, and businesses that manufacture HVAC/R equipment. Individuals employed in this industry will be expected to have the prerequisite knowledge, attitude, skill, and habits required to perform routine, repetitive, procedure-driven tasks involving motor skills and limited theoretical knowledge while working under close supervision.
