Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology and Pennsylvania College of Technology have established a new articulation agreement that expands educational pathways for students pursuing careers in the heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) industry.
Through this agreement, graduates of the Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, & Refrigeration associate degree at Thaddeus Stevens College can seamlessly transfer their credits into one of two bachelor’s degree programs at Penn College: Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning Engineering Technology or Building Automation Engineering Technology. Students who transfer will be able to complete their four-year degree in just two additional years of study.
This partnership strengthens the commitment both institutions share to meeting workforce needs in a rapidly evolving and critically important field. The HVAC industry continues to face significant labor shortages nationwide, including an estimated 80,000 open positions and a large percentage of technicians nearing retirement age. By expanding access to advanced technical education, the agreement helps prepare more graduates for highly skilled roles that support sustainable, energy-efficient systems across homes, businesses, and industries.
Students who follow the transfer pathway will gain advanced training for positions such as applications engineer, design engineer, project estimator or manager, and roles within commercial service, installation, and automation. The building automation engineering technology program offers specialized preparation in smart systems integration and energy performance, an area of growing importance across the built environment.
The collaboration reflects Thaddeus Stevens College’s mission as an architect of opportunity, creating accessible pathways that lead directly to high-demand careers with family-sustaining wages. By removing barriers and opening doors, the College ensures students can continue their education, strengthen their skills, and enter a field where they are urgently needed.
This new agreement builds on a similar partnership launched last spring, which allows graduates of the College’s Electrical Technology and Electro-Mechanical Technology programs to transfer into Penn College’s Building Automation Engineering Technology major. Together, these pathways offer our graduates expanded options to further their education and shape long-term career success.
As the demand for skilled HVACR professionals continues to rise, this collaboration reinforces the College’s commitment to transforming futures, strengthening communities, and preparing graduates to be in high demand throughout Pennsylvania and beyond.