Ferris State Helps Technicians Become STARs

Ferris State and the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing, Pipefitting and Sprinklerfitting Industry of the United States and Canada have together developed the Service Technician Air-conditioning and Refrigeration certification program.

Heating, cooling and refrigeration service technicians who become UA STAR certified are awarded college credits for successful completion of the most stringent training and certification process in the industry to date—and they get paid to do it. According to UA Director of Training George Bliss, apprentices will begin earning roughly $31,000 while learning their trade. After their fifth year and successful UA STAR certification, service technicians can earn as much as $77,500 per year, as well as 30 credits toward an associate’s degree in HVACR or construction supervision.

“STAR certification training is conducted using mobile, state-of-the-art classrooms at UA Local training centers and Ferris State Technology Transfer Center-certified instructors,” says Tom Crandell, director of the TTC, University Center for Extended Learning. “The TTC has been working with the UA now for about two years developing certification programs.
The partnership involves the UA, Ferris and Washtenaw Community College.”

Beginning in January 2003, students who want to go beyond an associate degree will be able to enroll in Ferris’ B.S. in HVACR Engineering Technology, newly adapted for distance learning. The program features on line learning with study lectures burned on CD using specialty software that allows students to take quizzes, submit homework, get grades and stay in communication with their instructor on-line. Three classes include intensive on-campus visits that provide valuable learning experiences with real equipment.

“The program is focused on real-world, rather than theoretical HVACR applications,” says HVACR Chair Mike Feutz. “When our students graduate, they are prepared to be productive the first day on the job.”

Earlier this year Ferris State designated the HVACR program
as being one of the University’s Centers of Excellence, a designation that runs through the year 2008.

 

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