San Joaquin Valley College Announces New Fresno – Trades Education Center

At San Joaquin Valley College (SJVC) we’re committed to student achievement and are proud to be able to provide a skills-based approach to education. With a focus on retention, career services and academic performance, our graduates are highly qualified and motivated to enter the workforce. The communities we serve benefit from our focus on outcome-based learning and ability to adapt to their changing needs. That is why we are pleased to announce a new Trades Education Center in Fresno to help students build rewarding careers and improve the local community.

The SJVC Fresno – Trades Education Center is a 10,000-square-foot facility entirely dedicated to three trade programs: Electrical Technology, Industrial Maintenance Technology, and Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVAC-R).

The Electrical Technology Certificate of Completion program can be completed in as few as 10 months. Students may also earn an Associate of Science Degree in as few as 14 months. The program provides a framework of electrical knowledge and skills that can be adapted in the electrical trade industry. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for employment in numerous electrical and related trades. Students will learn how to install, maintain, and repair electrical equipment and systems in a safe, competent and professional manner.

The Industrial Maintenance Technology program is designed to provide fundamental, hands-on training in industrial systems and equipment. Students will study and master the basic principles, applications, concepts, and functions of hydraulic systems, bearing and seal types, and power transmission components. Students can earn a Certificate of Completion in as few as 7 months.

The Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration certificate program prepares students to work in the heating and cooling industry. Training focuses on theories of heating, refrigeration, and air conditioning, where students study the operation, maintenance and repair of residential and commercial equipment. Students can earn a Certificate of Completion in as little as 10 months or an Associate of Science Degree in as few as 14 months.

“We are all very excited to launch the SJVC Fresno – Trades Education Center,” said Campus President, Jerry Franksen. “There is a growing demand for skilled workers and these career-focused programs expand our services beyond Aviation Maintenance Technology, which has been a part of SJVC since 1991,” added Franksen. “SJVC is in a unique position to help students build their careers and provide local businesses with a skilled labor force. We are pleased to support the industrial trades and the same Fresno community that has supported us for years.”

The new education center marks an important milestone for SJVC and will help address the growing demand for skilled trade professionals. For example, the employment of Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers is projected to grow 13 percent from 2018 to 2028, according to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Outlook Handbook for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers. Commercial and residential building construction is expected to drive the majority of employment growth and job opportunities for technicians. And because HVAC-R systems have become increasingly complex, employers generally prefer applicants with postsecondary education or those who have completed an apprenticeship, according to the Occupational Outlook Handbook.

SJVC faculty and staff are committed to helping students develop specific vocational knowledge and skills while achieving the core student learning outcomes in information management, technical literacy and professional development. As part of this commitment we are excited to announce the new Trades Education Center to further build the Fresno community.

Learn more about the SJVC Fresno – Trades Education Center.