Sowela Technical Community College’s HVAC students earned a 100% pass rate on their recent EPA Universal 608 Exam. The exam consists of four sections: Core, Small Appliances, High Pressure and Low Pressure, and certifies students in refrigerants, oils and installation.

“It’s not easy taking on the Universal EPA 608,” said HVAC Instructor Sherman Broussard. “A qualified industry professional is key to help familiarize students with every aspect of proper refrigerant usage and equipment, along with procedures and regulations. I had about a 70% pass rate in my last instructional course, so for every student in this class to pass is phenomenal. A testament to their drive and dedication.”

As an industry regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the law requires HVAC Technicians to have the EPA Universal 608 certification to repair HVAC units.

Employment for heating, air conditioning and refrigeration mechanics and installers is projected to grow 5 percent or 40,100 openings from 2021 to 2023, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Unique to Sowela’s HVAC program is combining HVAC theory with hands-on training. After the completion of the course, students clock a total of 695 hours. SOWELA’s 22-week HVAC program includes residential and commercial heating, ventilation and air conditioning training. Students learn the fundamentals of heating systems and combustion processes; operating concepts of the refrigeration cycle; power generation and distribution; troubleshooting various operating cycles and more.

Successful completers earn 10 hours of OSHA-authorized training on critical workplace safety topics such as NCCER and HVAC certifications and prepare for the EPA Universal 608 license exam and Ready to Work NATE certification.

Registration is now open for the next HVAC training class starting Aug. 7. For more information, contact SOWELA’s Office of Workforce Solutions at (337) 421-6560, email workforce@sowela.edu or visit www.sowela.edu/hvac.