Highlighting Skilled Trades – Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Program Accredited

NOVA’s Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Program (AIR), located at the Woodbridge Campus, is pleased to announce that the AIR program has again been accredited by HVAC Excellence. HVAC Excellence is part of the ESCO Group, and its accreditation recognizes that NOVA’s AIR program strengthens technical skills by preparing both current and future workers to effectively tackle the evolving challenges of the industry.

After completing a thorough self-study under the leadership of Program Head John Meeker and MSTB Dean Alison Thimblin, the AIR program hosted the onsite accreditation team in fall 2024 and demonstrated how NOVA’s AIR program meets and exceeds the established standards. The programmatic accreditation validates the educational excellence of a program that is growing to meet the needs of employers.

AIR program enrollment for fall 2024 was higher than any previous semester, showing a 37% growth rate in FTES since fall 2019. The program strives to develop skilled technicians to meet in-demand workforce needs and modern efficiency standards. NOVA and Prince William County have committed over $2 million to the improvements of the AIR program, including renovation of facilities and acquisition of updated equipment. The AIR faculty and staff are committed to the future success of the program, currently designing and developing curriculum for new advanced controls courses for upcoming semesters.

In fall 2024, our talented faculty incorporated an increased number of industry-recognized credentials. More than 40 students earned their EPA 608 certification, which is required of any technician who maintains or services equipment with refrigerant. To better meet the needs of the NOVA region, EPA 608 certification is also available through NOVA Workforce and Professional Development.

Also in fall 2024, students in 100- and 200-level courses earned over 160 ESCO “employment ready” certifications in topics such as brazing and soldering, gas heat, heat pumps and others. These certifications demonstrate to employers that our students, who are new to the industry, have valuable skills and knowledge.

In addition, 16 students earned the nationally recognized and valuable North American Technician Excellence (NATE) core certification in advance coursework, with a pass rate of nearly 90%. (The next time an HVAC technician services your home, look for their NATE badge.)

Interested in learning more about NOVA’s AIR program? Visit Air Conditioning and Refrigeration | Northern Virginia Community College.

—Charlene Wilkins, WO-Campus and Community Outreach