HVAC
ADVISORY BO ARD MEETING MINUTES
December 10, 2015, 475 Edison W ay Ro om 271, 12 p.m.
The following persons were present: Ken Meinzer, Ron Campbell, Yul Echo, Hugh Peterson, Wes Evans, Jim New, and Barb
Evans
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Call to order: 12:15 p.m.
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Introduction of members and guests
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Approval of Minutes – Ron motioned, Ken seconded. Minutes approved as read.
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New Business:
o
Curriculum is the same. Accelerated program has 12, nigh time is down to 12. Not sure how many
students are in the ELM classes. Looking at open entry/open exit format. Lab would be open from 8 a.m. to
8 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Curriculum would be more modularized. Jim explained the format –
class is broken down into .5 credits (3 credit class would have 6 modules). Students go to resource center
to get a book to take back to the lab where there is an instructor on staff. Students work on their own and
instructor is there to assist. Students take a written assessment – must get 90%, hands-on – must get
100%. If they don’t meet that, they can take it again in 24 hours. Have to pass one module before they
move on. Takes seat time out of the equation. Competency based learning. Benefits the employers – we
can customize training. Much more flexible for students. Instructor needs to be able to handle multiple
students at different parts in their training. Ken stated students would be more motivated.
o
Ron asked about our placement program – no one is returning his calls. Jim apologized for Nancy. She’s
had a significant medical issue and has not been able to come back to work. Discussion was brought up
about driving. They have to have a clean driving record to be employable with some companies. We can let
the students know up front that they have to have a good driving record. Students need to know what’s on
their license – can be obtained by DMV.
o
Construction Update – First phase is concluding in a week and a half. Renovations of the HVAC/R labs are
complete. Delays were due to labor market. Second phase will start in April – HVAC will have minimal
impact.
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Equipment - new equipment is on order. Mitsubishi trainer is here. Ken is ready to deliver any time. Large
water tower is being donated by Switch Supernap. Need air handler – small one would be good.
o
Switch – Has a strong demand for HVAC techs. They are planning the world’s largest data center. Will be
near Tesla. More data centers are coming here. Data center is a warehouse full of computer servers. Need
people who can work on large scale commercial cooling systems. Have to keep servers cooled. Clean room
environment. Tesla heard about heard about the press release and came by to say they needed HVAC, too.
Starting to get a big demand in the community for HVAC techs. Switch will employ their on techs on site.
Techs will have to have good communication skills, some IT background, customer service, slide
presentations. Will need to have people at every level.
o
Commercial Air-Conditioning classes – Offering AC 198 this spring – Wes handed out flyer. Yul will be
teaching this class. Yul went over what the class will be covering.
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Schedule next meeting: April, 2016
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Adjournment: 1 p.m.
Minutes submitted by Barb Evans
Page 1 of 1; HVAC Advisory Board Meeting
TMCC is an EEO/AA institution. See http://eeo.tmcc.edu for more information.
Created: 12/10/2015; Rev: 12/11/2015