Lincoln Tech, Johnson Controls launch workforce programs
Officials at Lincoln Technical Institute and Johnson Controls are hoping the newest component of their partnership will bolster interest in HVAC, fire and security careers.
“Johnson Control is like a lot of other companies where they see their workforce is at that retirement age and they just don’t see enough young people who are interested and knowledgeable about their industry to come and join them,” said Scott Shaw, CEO and president at Lincoln Tech, which is unveiling three JCI-sponsored classrooms laboratories at three of the trade school’s campuses in Connecticut.
Both parties have been collaborating for the past two years to provide students with training in the electrical, fire and security system fields — among others. The classrooms are opening in East Windsor, New Britain and Shelton.
“We have a great need for technicians that scale multiple spaces and capacities,” said Al Young, vice president of field services and installation operations for JCI’s North America. “Our company is in growth mode, and we are hiring a number of slots whether that’s in sales front or our technician and mechanics side.”
According to reports by the trade publication “Material Handling and Logistics,” the need for labor is expected to surge to more than 2 million unfilled jobs in the coming years, due in large part to lack of trained candidates.
Young said the program was meant to make it easier for students to advance in careers around technology, and meet the growing demand for skilled labor.
The partnership also includes working with existing graduates for placement with the JCI, which produces electronics and HVAC equipment for buildings. The company has a presence at all nine Lincoln Tech campuses offering hands-on career training in fire, security and HVAC systems.
In the past 12 months, more than 50 Lincoln Tech graduates have been hired by Johnson Controls across the country, according to a news release.
JCI is sponsoring the new classrooms at Lincoln Tech and outfitting them with equipment from the company that students can use in class to prepare for the industry.
Shaw said the additions are expected to give students hands-on and transferable training.
“This is exactly what you would see on the job,” he said. “Everything is real world, real life and real equipment, so they can step right in day one and are as productive as possible.”