MATC, MPS and Johnson Controls open new HVAC lab at Obama School

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning field is a high-demand area for jobs, offering excellent salaries and career growth

Tony Tagliavia

October 28, 2021

Students, educators and partners cut the ribbon on the new HVAC lab

Students, educators and partners from MATC and Johnson Controls cut the ribbon on the new HVAC lab at MPS' Obama School of Career & Technical Education

MILWAUKEE — Thanks to support from Milwaukee Area Technical College and Johnson Controls, students at MPS' Barack Obama School of Career and Technical Education now have access to training and college credits to prepare for careers in the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) field.

The MATC and Johnson Controls support, through the MPS Foundation, contributed to the construction of a new HVAC lab. The HVAC field, along with other skilled trades, is a high-demand area for jobs, offering excellent salaries and career growth.

MPS and MATC have partnered to develop a curriculum to train students for HVAC industry certification and become eligible for high-paying jobs upon graduation. The program includes dual enrollment at MATC, allowing students to earn free college credits. Students who successfully complete the program can earn up to 16 credits—a full semester at MATC.

A generous equipment donation from Johnson Controls will allow students to train using the latest high-tech tools and modern equipment for in-demand jobs. Johnson Controls is investing $15 million at community colleges over five years to expand college associate degree and certificate programs in HVAC, fire and security, and digital building automation systems across the United States.

The Johnson Controls investment through the MATC Foundation includes the hiring of a success coach dedicated to both Obama High School and traditional MATC students training in HVAC. Students will receive real-world experience, internship opportunities, and professional connections.

Barack Obama School of Career and Technical Education is located at 5075 N. Sherman Blvd. in Milwaukee.