Illinois Community College Celebrates Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month

February is Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month, and Illinois community colleges across the state, including Prairie State College (PSC), are celebrating their valuable role in preparing the workforce for in-demand jobs. CTE programs offered at community colleges provide students with hands-on training and real-world experience in a variety of industries, including healthcare, manufacturing, and technology.

“Don't compromise on Comfort! PSC Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) program offers students the basic knowledge and skills needed to diagnose electrical and mechanical problems," said Dr. Ty Jiles, Dean, Career and Technical Education.

The PSC HVAC program prepares heating and cooling technicians for residential and light commercial service and installation. Students are trained to be HVAC technicians. The HVAC facility is equipped with high-efficiency systems as well as conventional heating and cooling systems. Technicians are needed to troubleshoot and maintain HVAC systems because of the increasing number of new residential and commercial structures and to respond to the increased demand for energy management.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, job opportunities in the HVAC field are projected to increase 14 percent from 2014 through 2024, which is much faster than the average for all other professions. Also, one in 10 were self-employed and have the ability to set their own schedule. HVAC service technicians can expect to earn about $22.50 - 28.00 per hour. 

CTE programs at Prairie State College and other Illinois community colleges offer a cost-effective way for individuals to pursue their career goals by costing a fraction of the tuition at four-year institutions, making it a more accessible option for many students.

The National Skills Coalition says nearly two-thirds of jobs in the U.S. economy are middle-skill jobs that require education beyond high school but not a four-year college degree. Many of these jobs are in CTE fields such as healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and IT which are among the fastest-growing occupations projected through 2029 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

For more information about CTE programs offered at Prairie State College, please visit https://prairiestate.edu/academics/career-and-technical-education/HVAC.aspx