There’s a skills gap in our industry—it’s reported that more than two million technical roles could go unfilled due to a lack of skilled workers. Meanwhile, the industry itself is busier than ever before and in need of skilled technical workers to join the next generation workforce.

Chris Yandell, a recent graduate of Lincoln Tech, is one such worker who took advantage of the partnership between the institute and Johnson Controls, which aims to help build education in the technical field and grow the pool of workers for the industry. Upon graduating, Chris was hired at Johnson Controls as a Service Technician Level 1 based out of the Littleton, CO branch.

Chris was attracted to a career in the technical field from the get-go. As a student, he found that his military experience provided him with a strong foundation for a hands-on career in HVAC. “I’ve always liked working with my hands and I enjoy the mechanical aspect,” said Chris. “That’s why I decided to go into HVAC.”

In July 2018, Chris began his new career at Johnson Controls. “It was a really good, easy transition from Lincoln Tech to Johnson Controls,” Chris said. “They worked with my hours and I was able to finish my last two months of schooling.”

Chris’ education at Lincoln Tech prepared him for the diverse and exciting work that he engages in daily. “I’ve done everything from running wires under raised floors to running them through ceilings,” Chris said. Chris also has programming and the build out of multiple control servers under his belt as part of his experience at Johnson Controls. “I understand the innerworkings of [servers] -- and that’s quite a good skill to have from what I’m finding out.”

Above all, Chris’ experience in building a diverse portfolio of work and working with people – customers and colleagues – with varied backgrounds is what invigorates him most. His work in multiple verticals including schools, hospitals, commercial buildings, data centers and even an Air Force base is the beginning of a career that provides new opportunities every day. “Wherever they need me, that’s where I go,” he said. “I enjoy my job and I love what I’m doing.”

Through Johnson Controls and Lincoln Tech’s partnership, students receive hands-on training through HVAC, fire and security curriculum. Graduates who complete these programs have the opportunity to pursue a career with Johnson Controls and help support institutions around the world.