By Russell Garcia, Director, Higher Education, Performance Infrastructure™ North America, Johnson Controls

Technical workforce development continues to be a top concern as it is estimated that more than 2 million manufacturing and technical roles could go unfilled by 2028. As a result, educational institutions have started to explore how they can help close the skilled-labor gap. Many have realized that providing the proper technical training spaces and curriculum needed to students can assist in developing the workforce of the future.

One such school, a southern regional technical college, is focusing on developing the workforce needed for advanced manufacturing. This includes a new building for a program partnering with a global manufacturer to develop talent and prepare them for a successful future in the modern technical workforce.

Solutions before, during and after the construction process to meet unique needs

Based on recommendations from local mechanical contractors and a pre-existing relationship with the college, Johnson Controls was chosen for the project. Our expertise with larger, more complicated new construction projects and follow up service were powerful driving factors in the decision.

The school needed climate control solutions that would work for their unique needs. Because of the manufacturing curriculum at the new building, several key elements of the chosen technologies supported the building’s optimal use, including lower energy costs and emissions, quieter operation and access to service technicians. To achieve these goals, the school chose two YVAA 400-ton chillers to help with the cooling and climate at the school along with outdoor AHUs, fan coil units, VAV boxes and a small VRF system. The school worked with Johnson Controls to determine what the best options would be and implemented them accordingly.

Given the building’s purpose as a training space for skilled technical workers, choosing technologies that reflected forward thinking and prioritized integration laid a foundation for teaching students how optimized building systems can positively impact operations and occupants. Walking into such a building on the first day of a technical education helps set the right tone to learn the skills needed to carry these practices into their eventual careers.

An updated building with the latest technologies for a new workforce

The partnership with Johnson Controls and planning for needed technology integration from the earliest stages of the project has resulted in construction remaining on schedule and resulting in what is now the most energy efficient building on campus – a key asset in their mission to attract and develop students. By demonstrating how effective building projects can be when properly planned and budgeted with technologies systems chosen in support of goals rather than the other way around, the project is a tangible example of success for students seeking a similar career.

Learn how Johnson Controls can help make your institution a smarter, safer and more sustainable environment for all students, staff, and visitors here.