Cool Careers Ahead: NFC’s HVAC/R Graduates Ready to Heat Up a Booming Job Market

MADISON, Fla. — The future looks bright, and climate-controlled, for the first graduating class of North Florida College’s (NFC) Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVAC/R) program. These trailblazing graduates are stepping confidently into one of the nation’s fastest-growing skilled trades, armed with in-demand certifications and real-world experience.

NFC launched the hands-on HVAC/R program to meet the surging demand for skilled technicians across the U.S. and, more critically, in rural North Florida. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the HVAC/R field is expected to grow 6% from 2024 to 2034, with over 37,700 job openings projected each year, many due to retirements and increased demand for energy-efficient systems. In Florida alone, HVAC/R employment is projected to grow by nearly 10% over the next decade.

Each NFC graduate earned both EPA Section 608 and North American Technician Excellence (NATE) certifications—widely recognized industry benchmarks that immediately qualify them for employment in residential, commercial, and industrial HVAC/R sectors.

“This first graduating class is a milestone for both North Florida College and our local economy,” said Deidra Dunnell, Director of NFC’s Perry location. “These students are now prepared to enter a workforce that needs them. They’re staying in our communities and filling essential roles that keep businesses and homes running.”

The HVAC/R program, based at NFC’s Perry Location along U.S. Highway 19, features a fully equipped training lab that offers easy access for students in NFC’s service district. More than just job training, the program supports long-term economic sustainability by cultivating a homegrown workforce prepared for high-demand, high-reward careers.

“This program isn’t just about learning a trade, it’s about changing lives,” said Jim Nuessle, NFC HVAC/R Instructor. “Our students leave here certified, confident, and ready to work. They’re filling real gaps in our rural communities where skilled technicians are urgently needed. It’s incredibly rewarding to watch them succeed and know they’re making a difference right here at home.”

The national median salary for HVAC/R technicians stands at $55,000 annually, with experienced professionals and those with specialized certifications earning upwards of $75,000. The career also offers strong job security, opportunities for entrepreneurship, and upward mobility, especially in underserved rural regions like North Florida.

Enrollment is now open for NFC’s next HVAC/R class. To learn more about the program or explore other workforce training opportunities, contact Kim Scarboro at 850-973-9470 or email scarborok@nfc.edu.

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NFC HVAC/R Instructor Jim Nuessle (far right) stands proud with the inaugural HVAC/R class of 2025 and one of NFC’s mascots, Trailblazer.