Johnson Controls and Montgomery College Partner to Train the Next Generation of HVAC Professionals

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects there will be shortage of nearly 40,100 openings for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC) mechanics and installers each year, on average, over the decade—including nearly 1,000 openings each year in Maryland and about 1,600 annually in Virginia. 

“As technology advances, we need more people who are able to work on everything,” said Alyssa Granados, truck-based service manager at Johnson Controls. “At the same time, a large group of individuals across the skilled trades is retiring, and we don’t have enough people coming in to backfill those positions.”

Johnson Controls launched its national community college partnership initiative in 2021 to strengthen workforce pathways in the skilled trades. The company selected Montgomery College as one of its early partner institutions and provided grant funding to expand student recruitment, offer scholarships, and connect students with industry professionals.

Johnson Controls employees mentor HVAC students, provide career guidance including resume reviews and interview preparation, offer lunch-and-learn opportunities, and provide site visits for career exploration.

During one recent site visit, students toured equipment at Holy Cross Hospital, where Johnson Controls technicians demonstrated the large-scale systems used in commercial buildings. “For a lot of students, it’s eye-opening,” Alyssa Granados said. “Sometimes they don’t realize the size of the equipment they could be working on or the types of buildings they could support.”

Experiences like these help students envision their future careers—and in some cases, lead directly to employment. Although the College’s core program focuses largely on residential systems, the foundational skills students learn translate directly into commercial work.

Tyler Buschow, a military veteran who completed Montgomery College’s HVAC program, joined Johnson Controls after graduating. “Tyler is an outstanding employee,” said Alyssa Granados. “He continues to build his career with the company and stands out as an example of the partnership’s impact. “  

Today, the College’s HVAC program serves nearly 100 students across credit and noncredit pathways. Students develop technical knowledge and hands-on skills while preparing for industry certifications, including the EPA Section 608 Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Certification and HVAC Excellence Employment Ready Certification exams in areas such as refrigeration systems, electrical troubleshooting, and brazing. As the industry evolves, the program continues to adapt. Faculty leaders at Montgomery College recently expanded the curriculum to include building automation systems—technology that controls a building’s HVAC, lighting, electrical, and security systems.

“Our faculty members are practicing professionals,” said Chantal Vilmar, dean of applied technologies and the Gudelsky Institute for Technical Education. “They are licensed technicians who stay current with developments in the field, so we are always teaching to the needs of the industry.”

Industry advisory committees also provide feedback that helps guide curriculum decisions and ensure students graduate with relevant, job-ready skills. The partnership with Johnson Controls deepens that connection between classroom learning and industry expectations.

As demand for skilled trades professionals continues to grow, Montgomery College and Johnson Controls plan to expand the program and create even more pathways into the trade. By combining accessible education, industry mentorship, and hands-on learning, the partnership helps more community members enter stable, well-paying careers while strengthening the regional workforce.