The environmental systems and refrigeration technology (ESRT) programmable logic control (PLC) and Controls Track, at WVC offers a high level of instruction and prepares graduates to seek a wide variety of entry- level jobs. These include service technicians, mechanics, maintenance personnel, application engineers, electronic temperature controls specialists, PLC technicians, and HVAC systems sale and designers. Positions may be available in agricultural storage facilities, control companies, data centers, office buildings, shopping malls, schools, industrial plants and many other facilities around the world.
The ESRT Controls and PLC track blends traditional classroom instruction with practical, hands-on lab work. Classes include refrigeration principles, applied electricity, air conditioning, heat pump systems, control fundamentals, DDC and BAS HVAC controls, PLC Controls, boiler systems, and basic welding. Additional course work emphasizing energy efficiency includes efficient HVAC systems, energy load calculations, data center operations, emergency power systems, commissioning and TAB (Test, Adjust and Balancing). It is recommended that students start the program in fall quarter. The second year of the program is designed to allow students to work full time while in the program, by taking courses at night and short seminars offered on Thursdays/ Fridays and/or evenings. The final quarter of the program includes an internship and an independent capstone project emphasizing students’ career aspirations. With permission, some on-the-job training internships may be substituted for lab work.
Before entering the ESRT program, students are strongly advised to complete one year of high school algebra or its equivalent. Course work in computers, basic electricity/ electronics and welding are also beneficial prior to entering the program. If students complete the ESRT associate of technical science (AAS) degree, they can earn electrical hours toward the Washington State Labor & Industry (06A) Electrical HVAC Specialty License. Upon graduation, students are also expected to have the OSHA 10 HVAC Safety card, the EPA 608 Refrigerant Handling Universal License and a current first aid card with CPR.