Johnson Controls Academy Doubles Training Capacity to Tackle National Skilled Building Systems Technician Shortage
In This Article:
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Expanded program will help Johnson Controls annually hire over 300 security and fire installation and service technicians across the U.S.
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Johnson Controls Academy provides six weeks of intensive training toward full-time employment
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The program addresses the growing market need for skilled workers in building systems
MILWAUKEE, Nov. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Johnson Controls (NYSE: JCI), a global leader in smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, is continuing to grow its industry-leading national workforce development initiative, the Johnson Controls Academy. This expansion, developed in partnership with Lincoln Tech (parent company Lincoln Educational Services), is designed to address the growing demand for skilled technicians in the installation, service and maintenance of building systems. Graduates of the program will be placed into service technician roles throughout the U.S.
The expanded program, hosted at Lincoln Tech's Denver campus, will double the number of technicians trained through the JCI Academy, complementing the existing offering at Lincoln Tech's Columbia, Maryland campus. The expansion is timely, as the industry faces a critical shortage of skilled building technicians, exacerbated by an aging workforce and the increasing complexity of building technologies. Illustrating this challenge, 46% of HR professionals in a recent report said they consider skilled trades positions "very difficult" to fill.
As businesses and municipalities increasingly prioritize upgrading and retrofitting their facilities to enhance efficiency, reliability, safety and comfort, the demand for a highly skilled workforce to manage, maintain and troubleshoot these complex building systems has never been greater. The inaugural graduating class at the Denver facility marks a significant milestone in addressing these critical workforce needs.
"Our goal with the Johnson Controls Academy is to train more than 300 new technicians each year, directly responding to the increasing demand in our industry," said Julie Brandt, president of Building Solutions North America at Johnson Controls. "The program fills critical roles in the building industry, and fosters a diverse, innovative community that will drive sustainable, long-term impact."
Both programs offer a six-week intensive training course designed to close the skilled labor gap and prepare future technicians for security and fire installation and service roles. They offer hands-on training, enhancing the foundational education of Lincoln Tech's Electrical programs and preparing participants for real-life experiences in the field. On-site housing for the duration of the program and relocation expenses upon completion are supported by Johnson Controls. To ensure smooth onboarding, graduates of the Johnson Controls Academy receive support from a retention coach for one-year post-graduation.