Waukegan High School, in collaboration with Johnson Controls, celebrated the grand opening of its state-of-the-art HVAC training lab. This initiative offers students hands-on experience and the chance to earn college credits, preparing them for careers in the ever-growing HVAC industry.
The open house event allowed attendees to tour the new facility, interact with current students, and observe live coursework demonstrations. Speakers included Waukegan High School staff members, Johnson Controls Regional Vice President Yollande Tchouapi, and a student, all underscoring the importance of practical training and investment in youth to bridge the skilled labor gap.
The HVAC sector, like many trades, faces a shortage of skilled workers due to an aging workforce and evolving building technologies. A recent report highlighted that 45% of HR professionals find skilled trades positions challenging to fill.
“By providing students with real-world experiences and exposure to cutting-edge technologies earlier on in their school careers, we can help nurture interest and prepare them for successful careers in the industry,” Tchouapi emphasized.
David Marks, CTE academic chair at Waukegan High School, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “The HVAC training lab equips our students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in a rapidly growing and changing industry.”
This initiative reflects Johnson Controls' commitment to addressing the skills gap in technical education and developing a skilled future workforce. The company plans to contribute up to $15 million by 2026 through its Community College Partnership Program to enhance educational access in HVAC, fire, security, and digital fields. Additionally, Johnson Controls has launched a second Academy to double its training capacity and combat the national shortage of skilled building systems technicians.
“Investing in the future workforce is crucial for building resilient, innovative, and sustainable communities,” added Tchouapi.
