JUNE 22, 2015
65 year-old student says ‘you’re never too old to learn’
HAGER HILL, Ky. – Graduates from the Air Conditioning Technology (HVAC) program at Big Sandy Community and Technical College were career ready… and then some.
This year’s class of 18 graduates all earned HVAC Journeyman certifications prior to graduating in May.
“This speaks volumes to the level of dedication our students have to be successful,” said Eric Campbell, assistant professor of Air Conditioning Technology. “I am proud of this group and this great accomplishment.”
Those holding a journeyman licensure are knowledgeable and skilled to install, maintain, remodel and repair HVAC systems meeting the requirements of Kentucky HVAC codes and standards. A journeyman mechanic may work independently within the range of the license under the supervision of a Kentucky master HVAC contractor. All Journeyman applicants must verify that they have worked for not less than two years and 3,000 work hours under the direction and general supervision of a Kentucky master HVAC contractor.
David Hall, 65, grew up in the Feds Creek community of Pike County and graduated in May. After graduating high school, finding employment was hard.
“I had received a draft card, and companies were reluctant to invest money in people who could be sent off to war,” he recalled.
Hall later enlisted in the Air Force. “My first choice was the Army, but the recruiter was out to lunch,” he said, smiling.
He returned home to Pike County where he worked in the coal mining industry. Hall did electrical work while in the mines and later worked for his nephew doing commercial and residential electrical work.
“I decided to go back to school because I wanted to stay busy,” said Hall. “You are never too old to learn.”
Hall said the dedication of college faculty was tremendous.
“[Eric] Campbell came in during his spring break so that we could make up the time we missed because of the weather,” said Hall. “The people here truly care about the students.”
Hall plans to relocate to Norfolk, Va., where he plans to work for Skeen’s Heating and Cooling, a company operated by a friend.
For more information on the HVAC program at BSCTC, call 1 (855) GO-BSCTC or visit www.bigsandy.kctcs.edu.
