To meet the demands of industry

as part of Clayton State's workforce development efforts, the University's

Division of Continuing Education has embarked on a diversified skilled

trades training program, most recently focusing on a new Light Commercial/Heating,

Ventilation and Air Conditioning technician program. Technicians completing

their training with Clayton State will be able to install, service, and

troubleshoot stationary equipment according to manufacturer specifications

their first time out in the field.

The first training session

will start in September. The cost of the intense, 270-hour training program

is $3,800 per person, which includes books and most tools. Classes will

be held in the evening to accommodate those who may be looking to change

their present career field.

"We strive for excellence

in our skilled trades training," said Dr. Wallace Shakun, dean of

Continuing Education, noting that every instructor in Clayton State's

trades programs, including HVAC, is required to be certified and to have

passed competency exams in their field of expertise.

"Graduates completing

Clayton State's program will be a step above the average technician because

we will be the only school in Georgia teaching Light Commercial Refrigeration,"

he added. "This will allow our graduates to go into either residential

or commercial servicing. The bottom line is better training for better

pay."

Clayton State has established

an advisory board for the HVAC program consisting of owners and suppliers

from the Heating, Air and Refrigeration industry. One result of having

the advisory board will be that most of the technicians coming out of

the program will have an immediate opportunity for an interview.

For more information on Clayton

State's HVAC training program, contact Ken Bedford at (770) 961-3548.

Clayton College & State

University is a state university of the University System of Georgia,

located in Morrow.