NEW PROGRAM BRINGS NEW OPPORTUNITIES

(November 6, 2009)...  It is the beginning of a new school year at the Indiana County Technology Center; however, things are not the same as when the students left for summer break.  This year the ICTC, after careful research and employment analysis, has added a new technical program, Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC).  Mr. Bornak, the new instructor,  has been working in this particular field for approximately twelve years.  Before coming to the ICTC Mr. Bornak taught at Steel Center Area Vocational Technical School in Pittsburgh.  Mr. Bornak says, “It’s exciting to start a new program.”  Mr. Bornak enjoys all of his students and says, “They are all very interested in learning the trade and are looking forward to working in the field.”

The Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning program prepares students to apply technical knowledge and skill to install, repair and maintain heating, cooling, ventilation, environmental control and electrical systems. Students are learning about oil, gas and electric furnaces, air filtration systems as well as heat pumps, geothermal systems, air conditioning and refrigeration. Instruction includes the theory and application of principles in thermal dynamics, psychometrics, electricity, heating, cooling, sheet metal fabrication, customer service, indoor air quality, residential house wiring, and how motors and motor controls work. The students will master competencies in the areas of basic plumbing and air (duct) sizing. In addition, mechanical work is included as a requirement for this field. Students interested in this field should have a desire to work with their hands and have an interest in troubleshooting and repairing equipment.

Eric Rodkey, a United High School sophomore,  is one of the students enrolled in HVAC for the 2009-2010 school year.  While interviewing Eric he told us that he enjoys Mr. Bornak as his instructor.  He is excited to pursue a career in this field.  Eric would recommend other students to join this program area.  “If you enjoy science, math and hands-on work, this is a good field for you,” says Eric.
Another HVAC student, also a United sophomore, Ryan Baird stated, “I like the fact that the career has the opportunities to make a lot of money.”  Ryan’s uncle is involved in this area of work so Ryan would like to think he will follow in his footsteps. 

Cameron McLaren, a junior at Blairsville High School, told us that he enjoys his classmates and the hands-on work that HVAC requires.  “You get a little bit of everything” say Cameron.  “HVAC is an exciting new program and if you get a chance I would definitely come check it out.”
If you think HVAC may be a career for you, call the ICTC or talk with your guidance counselor to make an appointment to tour the program area or even shadow for a day.

In other news, on October 28, 2009 Mr. Craig Volpe, the ICTC Cooperative Education Coordinator, was “Locked Up” for being heavily armed with kindness and it was up to the student body of the Indiana County Technology Center to bail him out of jail.

Okay so maybe Mr. Volpe wasn’t really sitting behind bars but he was “locked up” for Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA).  “Each year local business and community leaders agree to be ‘arrested’ for having a ‘big heart’.  This unique community wide event raises funds for Jerry’s kid.  The MDA is a national voluntary health agency dedicated to conquering more than 40 diseases that affect a million Americans of all ages”.  This year the ICTC was proud to donate $785 to the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

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