Johnson Controls gifts Kennedy King College in Englewood $373K for scholarships, costs for HVAC students
Share this @internewscast.com

CHICAGO (WLS) — Amid recent concerns about job security for some, there is an industry hiring, as more are needed in heating, ventilation and air conditioning — or HVAC.

A program in Englewood has new investment and potentially long-term impact in the community.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

A critical operation for HVAC systems is cleaning out impurities.

It’s one of many operations and systems Walter Hernandez has studied at Kennedy King College.

He expects finding work won’t be a problem when he finishes his associate degree this summer.

“For sure, I’m excited; I’m ready to start working to be honest. It pays really well; so, I’m excited for that, too,” Hernandez said.

Professor Harry Dabner said HVAC technicians can always find work that can lead to long-term success for them and their families.

“That’s one good thing about this job, this career: We are constantly giving back to the community, our students, our families,” Dabner said.

Professor Dabner said the other thing to count on in the HVAC industry is new technology, which is why, on Wednesday, City Colleges leadership celebrated a gift of $373,000 from Johnson Controls for scholarships and costs for students, and over $100,000 in new equipment.

“We believe that investing in education not only empowers a new generation, but it also is part of economic advancement for the community, in the communities where we do business,” said Yollande Tchouapi, central region vice president and general manager for Johnson Controls.

Tchouapi said there is a labor shortage now, and it’s expected to continue for years to come.

She said, at Johnson Controls, there are more than 200 openings in the region and 600 open across the country.

“It’s really a win-win for us because it’s good business for us, and it is also really good for the community,” Tchouapi said.

RELATED: Our Chicago: Hospitality Hires & Jobs Outlook

First-year student Michael Whiting said he liked the challenge of working with hands-on work, the systematic thinking and job security of HVAC.

“I want to be able to work for myself or for somebody else whenever I need to, and to be able to have the finances to do it,” Whiting said.

The associate’s degree at City Colleges is a two-year program, but there are other certifications that take less time, and students may be able to do it for free.

To learn more about City Colleges, call 773-602-5000, or visit https://apply.ccc.edu.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Jamie Raskin Is Going to Have a Tough Time Getting Off the Mat After This Trump Roundhouse

Jamie Raskin Faces Challenges Recovering from Trump’s Latest Blow

President Trump sharply criticized Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD) after the congressman confessed…
Why Oasis's feuding Gallagher brothers really reunited

The Real Reason Behind the Gallagher Brothers’ Reunion from Oasis

It’s been nearly 16 years since Oasis’ Liam and Noel Gallagher last…
Will Diddy go to jail after mixed verdict in sex trafficking trial?

Is Diddy Facing Jail Time After Mixed Verdict in Sex Trafficking Case?

Combs was acquitted on the most serious charges against him, but convicted…
Northeast Florida law enforcement's three-day sting nets 33 arrests

Three-day sting operation in Northeast Florida leads to 33 arrests

The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office has named their recent operation ‘Operation…
New Jersey man Ishaan Sharma gets pummeled after instigating fight on Frontier Airline flight

New Jersey Man Ishaan Sharma Gets Beaten After Provoking Fight on Frontier Airlines Flight

He took the black-eye flight. A man from New Jersey ended up…
MLB All-Star starters announced: Chicago Cubs outfielders Pete Crow-Armstrong, Kyle Tucker on starting lineup for National League

MLB All-Star Game Starters: Chicago Cubs’ Pete Crow-Armstrong and Kyle Tucker to Lead National League Outfield

CHICAGO — Pete Crow-Armstrong and Kyle Tucker, outfielders for the Chicago Cubs,…
FAA partners with university in South to address nationwide air traffic controller shortage

FAA Collaborates with Southern University to Tackle National Shortfall of Air Traffic Controllers

<!–> Aviation Specialist Sheds Light on FAA Turmoil Greg Raiff, the CEO…
Charlize Theron, 49, makes candid sex confession about hookup with a 26-year-old

Charlize Theron, 49, Opens Up About Intimate Encounter with a 26-Year-Old

Charlize Theron recently had a “f–king amazing” hookup with a 26-year-old. The…
Seven missing after powerful explosion at California fireworks facility as evacuation orders remain in place

Seven People Still Missing After Major Blast at California Fireworks Site; Evacuations Continue

Hundreds of residents are experiencing power outages, with seven individuals still unaccounted…
Florida bomb squad demonstrates damage fireworks can inflict using watermelon

Florida Bomb Squad Uses Watermelon to Show Potential Fireworks Damage

A Florida police bomb squad used explosives on various household items to…
Plane crash at an airport with emergency personnel and onlookers.

Haunting Audio Captures Russians Shooting Down Plane on Christmas, Killing 38, Aware It Wasn’t a Ukrainian Drone

A CHILLING audio clip has emerged revealing the moment Russians shot down…
Bryan Kohberger at a pre-trial hearing.

Bryan Kohberger Anticipated to Enter Guilty Plea in Idaho Student Murders to Avoid Death Penalty

BRYAN Kohberger is prepared to enter a guilty plea for the murders…