The construction industry, with 55 million workers, represents 5.1% of our nation's work force. Recent growth in the commercial and retail construction industry, coupled with an aging skilled construction force, means there is a severe shortage of skilled workers. Nationwide, the construction industry needs at least 210,000 new technicians each year for the next ten years to meet its demands.

Indoors, outdoors, fair weather and foul, the ACR graduates from OSU-Okmulgee will find a satisfying career in an industry that continues to show high demand for commercial and residential service technicians. As one of the most diverse career fields in today's job market, opportunities exist nationwide. OSU-Okmulgee's ACR program graduates currently average five job opportunities each. Money Magazine has rated Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Technology as one of the top 50 fastest growing career fields in America.

A growing number of heating and air conditioning firms use computer technology to control complex systems. Students at OSU-Okmulgee are given the opportunity to use the latest technology in computer-simulated systems including CAD for designing heating and cooling duct layouts. Students also develop an understanding of the working principles of physics and electronics and gain the knowledge of sophisticated control systems and diagnostic procedures.

OSU-Okmulgee's ACR program offers one of the world's largest training facilities for the industry. The diverse training coupled with modern facilities and experienced faculty gives graduates the knowledge base and experience needed to successfully compete in a demanding job market. Upon completion of studies, graduates will have earned and Associate in Applied Science degree.

Some of the positions available to recent graduates include residential air conditioning, commercial air conditioning, and commercial refrigeration service technicians, control technician, air balance technician, stationary engineer and laboratory technician. With experience, graduates have advanced to positions as service managers, sales engineers, company managers and have become owners of their own business.

Program Plan of Study