Henry Ford College partners with Johnson Controls Inc for HVAC program

Henry Ford College has received a grant from Johnson Controls Inc that will allow the college to make improvements to its HVAC program. The grant, totalling $190,000, will work in tandem with direct collaboration from JCI itself to help improve the program by shortening the program length and increasing the number of certifications students can earn. Additionally, Henry Ford College has committed to a 20-year partnership with JCI that will have the college working with JCI on its Integrated Energy Master Plan.

According to an article on Henry Ford College’s website, Dr. Sašo Krstovski, who is the Associate Dean of Industrial Technologies in the HFC School of Business, Entrepreneurship, and Professional Development, was quoted as saying, “JCI has been instrumental in helping HFC faculty align with the necessary skills and requirements for our students. Through direct collaboration, HFC faculty and JCI worked together to enhance lectures and lab assignments. These industry partnerships are crucial for evolving our programs and ensuring students secure meaningful employment.”

Johnson Controls Inc has a long history of assisting Henry Ford College with its HVAC program, which first launched in 2022. In 2021, JCI began partnering with colleges via its Community College Partnership Program, which, according to its webpage, “engages students from historically underrepresented groups and supports them in preparing for and embarking on career paths in sustainable building practices.” JCI has been involved in the development of the HFC HVAC program, via advising faculty on equipment purchases, assisting with licensing requirements, and more.

The length of time it will take to complete the HVAC program has been decreased from two years to ten months, and the number of certifications students can receive during the program now totals seven. The school is also working on developing related associate degree pathways that will help students pursue careers in energy production and conservation.

Henry Ford College will be collaborating with Johnson Controls Inc to work on JCI’s Integrated Energy Master Plan, which seeks to achieve Global Best Practices in Energy Management and Education. The IEMP will promote sustainability by improving energy and water efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. JCI will produce a curriculum in accordance with these goals that will then be implemented at Henry Ford College, where students will work toward making the outline improvements on the college’s current systems.

Krstovski said, “These industry partnerships are crucial for evolving our programs and ensuring students secure meaningful employment. We are excited to welcome former IEMP Coordinator Nicholas Paseiro to our HVAC team as an Energy Technology/Sustainable Energy Instructor where he will spearhead the expansion of our program offerings, particularly through the IEMP initiative.”

For more information about Henry Ford College, visit the school’s website.