Triton College HVAC Certificate Nears Launch with Strong Early Demand

RIVER GROVE, Ill. — Things are heating up at Triton College with the start of the institution’s new Heating and Air Conditioning certificate program.

Classes have not officially started yet, but Department Chairman Leroy Brown said many of the spots in the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) program have already been claimed by students eager to enter a high-demand profession in a growing job market. When classes get underway in August, Brown—an HVAC professional with more than 15 years in the business—will guide students through the ins and outs of the profession, offering hands-on learning with industry-standard HVAC systems in a 5,500-square-foot, state-of-the-art learning lab.

“I’m very excited to start this program because I feel it’s going to help encourage a lot of individuals to be self-motivated, self-sufficient, and have a sense of pride knowing that they can do something that requires specialized knowledge and certification,” Brown said. “HVAC offers a wide variety of places to work. It’s a 24-hour, worldwide trade that’s always going to be here.”

The HVAC industry is rapidly evolving with energy-efficient systems, smart home technology, and advanced climate control solutions. As aging infrastructure and sustainability regulations increase demand, trained technicians are essential for installing, maintaining, and repairing heating and cooling systems. Triton College offers students firsthand training and direct pathways to employment. The curriculum features “stackable certificates,” allowing students to first earn the HVAC Installation Assistant Certificate and then advance to the HVAC Installation Technician Certificate, opening the door to additional career opportunities. Courses are offered in accelerated 8-week formats, helping students complete their training efficiently.

The popularity of Triton’s HVAC program comes as the number of certificate earners reaches a 10-year high. The number of students earning an undergraduate certificate increased overall by more than 11 percent, according to data from the National Student Clearinghouse. Industry certificates among younger learners saw an even greater upswing, with certificate earners aged 24 and under growing by about 17 percent — including a roughly 18 percent rise among those aged 18–20.

“This report provides yet more evidence that today’s students want shorter-term, lower-cost credentials that lead to faster employment opportunities. It is certificate programs, not associate or bachelor’s degrees, that are drawing students into colleges today,” said Doug Shapiro, executive director of National Student Clearinghouse Research Center.

Speaking from experience, Brown shared that certificates like Triton College’s Heating and Air Conditioning certificate are a quick and cost-effective path to a well-paying career. HVAC mechanics and installers in Cook County earn a median wage of $29.45/hour, with experienced technicians making $39+/hour.

“Students want to spend less time in the classroom and more time making money,” he said. “It’s blowing up like this right now because the average person—they don’t want to do electives, they don’t want to spend their whole life in school. They want to learn the trade and start living their life, as opposed to worrying about debt.”

Brown began his career in HVAC in the 1990s after making a life-changing career switch. As a young father at the time working factory jobs, Brown said he felt he needed to find a way to better support his family. He went to community college, earned his associate degree, and never looked back. After getting certified, Brown performed HVAC work for different companies before becoming an expert and eventually becoming self-employed, working on residential heating and cooling systems.

“I’m still my own boss to this day,” he said, adding that students who complete Triton’s courses will open doors to working for prominent companies, working independently, or starting a business.

For more information about Heating and Air Conditioning at Triton College, visit triton.edu/hvac.

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Media Contacts:
Melissa Ramirez Cooper | melissacooper@triton.edu | 708-456-0300, Ext. 3496
Hunter Oberst | hunteroberst@triton.edu | 708-456-0300, Ext. 3820

ABOUT TRITON COLLEGE
Triton College is an institution of higher education dedicated to student success. Triton offers more than 120 degree and certificate programs designed for students to realize their career aspirations and effectively compete in a global economy. The college campus spans 110 acres in River Grove, Illinois, holds classes at satellite locations and offers online learning opportunities. Triton’s exemplary faculty and staff work to provide high-quality, convenient and affordable educational opportunities to more than 10,000 students each year. Triton College is a member of The Community Colleges of Illinois and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Learn more at triton.edu.