Oklahoma State University (OSU)-Okmulgee has been selected by Johnson Controls Inc. to participate in a collaborative program dedicated to training the next generation of hvac technicians.

Through the CAREERCONNECT program, Johnson Controls donates resources to partnering schools to enhance their learning environments, hvac program curriculum, and students’ experiences. The company’s contributions to OSU-Okmulgee include scholarships, instruction from industry experts, learning materials, and faculty training. Johnson Controls also will team with the technical school to educate local high school students about hvac careers. The goal of CAREERCONNECT is to increase the number of skilled graduates of hvac programs. An occupation report for hvac mechanics and installers in Oklahoma predicts that employment will jump to 2,630 jobs in 2012 from 2,050 in 2002.  Nationwide, i t is estimated that from the years 2008 to 2012, 22,000 job opportunities in the field of hvac skilled trades will go unfilled every year.

OSU-Okmulgee is one of seven partnerships that Johnson Controls has established with U.S. community colleges for inclusion in CAREERCONNECT. Colleges are evaluated based on school and program demographics including diversity statistics, curriculum and ability to modify it, geographic areas served, enrollments, placement statistics, strategies, and its relationship with Johnson Controls.

For more information: Visit www.johnsoncontrols.com.