In collaboration with Plumbers-Steamfitters-Refrigeration Union Local 342 www.ua342.org, DVC currently offers three five-year apprenticeship programs: steamfitting, plumbing, and HVACR. Apprenticeship is training that is designed to prepare an individual for a career in the skilled crafts and trades. Apprentices develop technical skills, experience the sharing of assignments and see how technical tasks relate specifically with theoretical knowledge and interpretation. Apprentices earn a wage while learning. Enrollment in this program is restricted. You must be registered as an apprentice with the State of California to participate in the program and accepted into the apprenticeship program by our union partners.

While completing their HVACR apprenticeship, DVC students can earn awards at three levels of completion: a certificate of accomplishment, a certificate of achievement, and an associate in science degree. To earn an associate in science degree with a major in HVACR, students must complete 20 out of 31 core courses to meet their individual educational and career goals. In addition they must complete 18 general education units. Students must complete each course used to meet a major requirement with a “C” grade or higher and maintain an overall GPA of 2.5 or higher in the coursework required for the major.

Students completing the program will be able to...

- analyze the electrical parts of the refrigeration system.

- differentiate between many types of motor.

- distinguish between mechanical and electrical controls.

- demonstrate basic control design that have applications to the HVACR industry.

- identify the different types of controllers for the HVACR industry.

- use oral and written communication skills in the HVACR industry.