New Associate Degree Program Targets Growing Field of Energy Management
New Associate Degree Program Targets Growing Field of Energy Management
Posted on 1/24/2024
In Fall 2023, Franklin Cummings Tech introduced a new Associate Degree program to prepare students for jobs installing and maintaining computer-based control systems that manage a building’s heating, cooling, and other energy usage. There is growing demand for workers with these skills as more and more businesses adopt automated or “smart” building technologies to lower their energy costs and carbon footprint.
In fact, building automation or control specialist is the top-ranked job opportunity in the clean energy sector for workers with less than a bachelor’s degree. More building automation/control specialist jobs were added to the economy in 2021 than any other clean energy job not requiring a four-year degree.
Two Career Options in One Program
Franklin Cummings Tech’s new Building Energy Management concentration under the Engineering Technology program prepares students for two types of positions:
Traditional HVAC-R (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration) technician
Building Automation/Control Technician, a newer job category that requires a combination of HVAC-R and building control systems skillset
Students first complete a nine-month HVAC-R certificate training program, then take three additional semesters of practical engineering technology courses in building automation systems, computer networking, and renewable energy technology. Students also complete general education courses required for an associate degree.
Good Salaries, Strong Job Prospects for Program Graduates
Job prospects are strong for both careers targeted by the program. HVAC technician jobs are projected to grow by 19% statewide over the next 10 years. The median salary for HVAC technicians in Massachusetts was $66,920 in 2022; for Boston area workers the median salary was $72,910. While the federal government doesn’t track the salary of building automation/control workers, it’s reasonable to expect that these workers will make as much, if not more, than traditional HVAC technicians.
Admissions Process
The program accepts up to 20 new students a year. To qualify for admission, students need to have completed four years of high school English, four years of math through Algebra II or Pre-calculus, and at least one science course. Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-serve basis until all seats are filled.
To learn more about the program, log into your Navigator account and click Franklin Cummings Tech's Building Energy Management Concentration, Engineering Technology.
Notes on Data Sources
Advanced Energy United and The Burning Glass Institute (2022). Job Opportunities in Advanced Energy Economy. (https://blog.advancedenergyunited.org/reports/job-opportunities-in-advanced-energy-high-growth-occupations-for-workers-of-all-backgrounds).
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2022 Occupational and Employment Statistics for Massachusetts and for Boston Metropolitan Area. (https://www.bls.gov/oes/tables.htm).
Massachusetts Department of Economic Research, Projected Statewide Growth in Occupational Employment, 2020 – 2030.