Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Program

Southwestern Illinois College's technology department is dedicated to providing the industry with the finest technicians possible. The Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration program accommodates day and evening, full-time and part-time students, as well as students already working in the industry. In addition, HVAR is offered at both our Belleville and Granite City campuses. Both locations are equipped with a selection of old and new equipment to enhance the hands-on training experience.

The HVAR technology program provides a balance of theory and application. The program provides a solid foundation in the principles of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration. This foundation of theory, combined with practical laboratory experience, develops the skills needed by students to troubleshoot and maintain today's complicated HVAR equipment. Over their course of study, students learn electrical and mechanical systems, troubleshooting systems, food preservation, air conditioning systems, and heating equipment. Students graduate with the confidence and skills needed to excel in this growing field.

About 200 students enroll in the program each semester. The HVAR program at SWIC provides students with the opportunity to obtain an Associate of Applied Science Degree or an HVAR Certificate in two years. Certificates denoting study in specialized areas are also available following completion of the 40 hour Certificate program. The specialty certificates include an Advanced Air Conditioning & Heating Specialty Certificate, an Advanced Commercial Refrigeration Specialty Certificate, and a HVAR Electrical Proficiency Specialty Certificate. For students interested in advancing beyond the associate degree please contact the program coordinator for more information

Career Opportunities

The increased demand for qualified technicians to service and up-date existing heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems results from the increased emphasis on energy costs and utilization. Rapidly advancing technologies in the Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration (HVAR) industry are providing new frontiers in this field. This new technology demands a highly skilled and specialized work force.

A graduate of the Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Program is prepared to work as a(n):

• Commercial Applications
• Residential Applications

Employment opportunities throughout the St. Louis region as well as the country are excellent. Manufacturing employees average $28,550 per year. Those who choose to work in maintenance and repair start their careers averaging $17,500 per year. Union technicians working in the St. Louis area earn about $25 per hour.

Programs Available

Associate of Applied Science (AAS) (039A)

This program provides the academic background, technical specialization and field experience to begin a career in sheetmetal construction. Emphasis is placed on practices and principles necessary to compete in today's construction industry. View Curriculum >>

Certificate (040A)

A certificate in construction sheetmetal is primarily for in-service training of persons employed in the construction field. Students acquire further formal training in their occupation.  View Curriculum >>