UHMC Offers Free Air Condition Technician Training

Photo courtesy: University of Hawai’i Maui College

In response to a rising demand for air conditioning technicians, the University of Hawai’i Maui College and local employers are launching a free, accelerated HVAC Technician training program.

Full tuition sponsorships are provided through the Ka Holu Workforce Resiliency Fund. The Ka Holu HVAC program offers participants 45 hours of online coursework and hands-on lab workshops, 15 hours of work readiness training, and a 70-hour work-based internship with local HVAC companies.

The first cohort of 15 students graduated from the HVAC program earlier this month, all of whom earned an industry certification.

The tuition sponsorships cover the cost of supplies, certification fees and professional skills development through donations from the Central Pacific Bank Foundation, Ka‘anapali Ocean Resort Foundation, The Freeman Foundation, Kamehameha Schools, HEI Charitable Foundation, Startup Capital Ventures, Emmet R. Quady Foundation, the United Association of Plumbers and Fitters, and many individual donors.

“The Ka Holu HVAC program serves as a pilot for how community colleges can offer a rapid response approach to workforce training needs and create opportunities for our local residents to attain living wage jobs,” said Jocelyn Romero Demirbag, UH Foundation Director of Development at UHMC.

To apply for the next HVAC training program that begins Jan. 9, 2020, contact Melia Mattos via email at [email protected] or call 808-984-3409 for more information.

There is no cost for participants. To make a financial contribution to support the Ka Holu program, contact Jocelyn Romero Demirbag at 808-984-3471.