JOHNSON CONTROLS RENEWS UACCM WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT GRANT

 

The University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton (UACCM) received a $100,000 grant for the third year as part of the Johnson Controls Community College Partnership Program. This funding strengthens on-campus training and educational pathways for emerging leaders in the HVAC, digital, fire and security sectors. UACCM, in partnership with Johnson Controls, the global leader in smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, continues to invest strategically in closing the skilled trades gap. Together, they are empowering the next generation of skilled professionals and building stronger, more resilient communities.

 

“The leadership and vision of Johnson Controls is to be acknowledged and commended. This partnership opportunity made possible by Johnson Controls is a great example of an industry taking the initiative of responding to their workforce needs by growing their own skilled technicians,” said UACCM Chancellor Lisa Willenberg. “By partnering with UACCM’s workforce education and training tech hub through providing scholarships and equipment, Johnson Controls is removing barriers and paving the way for their future technicians by helping fund those trainees in a state-of-the-art training facility with quality instructors who have had successful careers in their field.  Business and industry aligning with education benefits all parties involved.”

 

Launched in 2021, the Community College Partnership Program is designed to support students by creating clear pathways to careers in high-demand technical fields. For example, the Bureau for Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, which includes information on about 600 occupations, notes the need for HVACR mechanics and installers is expected to grow 8% and add about 40,100 openings per year through 2034. The Community College Partnership Program is designed to in part address this need by meeting students where they are. Johnson Controls works with nonprofit community colleges to strengthen academic offerings in HVAC, fire protection, security, and digital technologies through unique industry knowledge with the long-term goal of helping students secure family-supporting jobs. Each college receives an initial grant and is eligible for three years of renewal funding, enabling them to grow their programs and reach more students.

Beyond financial support, Johnson Controls employees from the surrounding area will continue to engage with UACCM through mentoring programs. This ongoing collaboration offers students valuable industry insights and guidance from technicians currently working in the field, helping students explore rewarding career opportunities available after completing their training.

“The skilled trades represent a future of continuous learning and real-world impact,” said Susan Ranft, Vice President of Human Resources, Americas. “Our investment in UACCM reflects our commitment to equipping students not just with technical skills, but with the mindset to lead, innovate and strengthen their communities in a rapidly evolving industry.”

For more information about the Johnson Controls Community College Partnership Program, visit: https://www.johnsoncontrols.com/corporate-sustainability/social/philanthropy/community-college-partnershi