July 31, 2008
For Immediate Release

RCCC's Heating-AC Students
Score Well on National Exam

          CONCORD, N.C. — Air conditioning, heating and refrigeration (AHR) students from Rowan-Cabarrus Community College are performing perfectly on a national certification examination.

           Over the last 18 months, approximately 30 graduates of RCCC's air conditioning, heating and refrigeration programs have taken the North American Technician Excellence (NATE) certification exam, and all of them have passed it.

           The 100-percent passing rate is higher than the rate for local technicians who have taken the exam without the benefit of enrolling first in an AHR program at RCCC or another community college.

           "NATE certification is becoming a requirement of more HVAC/R contractors in the Charlotte region," explained Joe Christie, AHR program head at RCCC. "At the same time, companies and home owners want technicians who are certified.

           "We believe our students do well on the NATE exam because our program gives them a sound and basic understanding of the industry and career field. Our students also gain knowledge and develop skills quicker than technicians who enter the field with no prior training," Christie added.

           RCCC students have three AHR program options — a certificate program, a one-year diploma program and, starting Aug. 18, a two-year associate-degree program.

           The certificate program prepares students for entry-level jobs with HVAC/R contractors. Students completing the diploma program are prepared for positions as residential and light commercial installation and service technicians. The new associate-degree program will provide added training needed to install and maintain commercial and industrial systems.

           Students in RCCC's AHR program also will have the added benefit of learning and practicing in a newly constructed, 1,200-square-foot facility that offers many of the situations and challenges encountered installing and servicing residential systems. The new facility resembles a two-story house, complete with an attic and crawl space.

           "Our new laboratory and storage facility will give students an opportunity to gain practical experience in assessing a building's heating and cooling needs, determining heating/cooling zones, and installing duct work," Christie said. "This kind of hands-on training ensures our students are ready for work as soon as they graduate. That's what local contractors have a high demand for; well trained technicians who are ready to work now."

           RCCC's AHR programs have a limited number of seats available in classes starting Aug. 18. Anyone interested in starting an AHR program should contact Christie immediately at 704-216-3908, instructor Jon Crockett at 704-216-3090, or instructor Fred Loving at 704-216-3912.

          RCCC's Continuing Education Department offers EPA technician certification training in CFC (chlorofluorocarbon) recovery. For more information, call 704-216-3514.

           Rowan-Cabarrus Community College is a comprehensive, community-based institution of higher learning, serving the citizens of Rowan and Cabarrus Counties. RCCC offers approximately 40 programs of study in business, health and human services and engineering technologies at multiple campus locations. RCCC annually provides more than 2,000 course offerings, serving an enrollment of approximately 20,000 adult students. RCCC programs include an associate degree in arts and sciences, an associate degree in applied science, and diploma and certificate programs focusing on workforce training, continuing education and basic skills education.

           In addition, RCCC provides the education and job-training programs needed to meet many of the workforce demands of the North Carolina Research Campus, under construction in Kannapolis, N.C.

           For complete details, see the RCCC website at www.rowancabarrus.edu.