Union Expands Construction Program With Electrical, Air Conditioning Courses From OSU Institute of Technology

Union Public Schools, in a new workforce development partnership with OSU Institute of Technology and Hardesty Family Foundation, is expanding its construction academy for high school students to include coursework on electrical construction and air conditioning/refrigeration.

Students in both programs will have the opportunity to earn up to 15 college credit hours concurrently as well as industry-recognized credentials along the way. Courses will be taught on campus at Union’s Innovation Lab by qualified instructors from OSUIT with the appropriate industry training, certifications and experience. The courses and related textbooks, tools and materials will be provided at no additional cost to Union students, thanks to the generous support of the Hardesty Family Foundation.

“Union’s construction academy was created in response to our community’s growing demand for skilled construction workers,” said Dr. Kenneth Moore, executive director of Secondary Education for Union Public Schools. “We’ve had such an enthusiastic response from students, we decided it was time to create additional career pathways in electrical construction and air conditioning and refrigeration. OSUIT is the perfect partner to provide our students with additional opportunities to learn a trade and earn college credit and industry credentials while in high school.”

Both the electrical and air conditioning/refrigeration programs are double-block courses taught over one school year (two hours per day, five days a week), and are open to qualified juniors and seniors. The courses launched this fall with 12 students participating in the air conditioning cohort and 12 in electrical construction. The curriculum will be supplemented with other training and experiences (i.e., guest speakers, field trips and possible on-the-job training). Those who complete the program will have earned up to 15 of the 88 hours required to earn an applied associate’s degree from OSUIT in Okmulgee.

“We have a long, successful track record with Tulsa Tech and our other education partners,” said Moore. “However, the requirements for admission can sometimes be restrictive and exclude students who would otherwise be a great prospect. This program is for them.”

Introduction to Electrical Construction will cover:

• 1) DC & AC circuit analysis;
• 2) introduction to the electrical trades;
• 3) basic electrical wiring methods;
• 4) construction blueprints and specifications; and
• 5) construction safety/OSHA.

Students who successfully complete the program curriculum and demonstrate proficiency requirements will earn OSUIT micro-credentials recognized and approved by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education. Completion of this program provides a pathway to degree completion through OSUIT’s AAS in Electrical Construction Technologies; qualified students who meet the requirements will be eligible to receive up to 15 hours of college credit.

Introduction to Air Conditioning & Refrigeration is also a double-block course taught over one school year covering:

• 1) an orientation into the world of air conditioning and refrigeration technology and career exploration, licensing, safety and tools;
• 2) the potential for EPA certification;
• 3) construction safety/OSHA standards;
• 4) electrical controls and theory of operation of electrical components; and
• 5) electrical control applications, with an emphasis on wiring and troubleshooting of basic circuits.

Completion of this program provides a pathway to degree completion through OSUIT’s AAS in Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Technology; qualified students who meet the requirements will be eligible to receive up to 14 hours of college credit.

"It is a privilege and honor for OSUIT to partner with Union Public Schools in establishing educational pathways through two of our most sought-after programs,” said Bob Firth, dean of OSUIT’s School of Engineering & Construction Technologies. “By combining hands-on learning lab experiences with academic rigor, we are not only creating future opportunities for students but also empowering their families and strengthening our community for years to come."

"Construction is a language the Hardesty family understands deeply,” said Michelle Hardesty, executive director of Hardesty Family Foundation. “With decades of experience in construction and development, we recognize the vital role that workforce development and living wages play in building a thriving community. We are committed to providing opportunities that empower our citizens, fostering an environment where everyone in Tulsa can build self-esteem, support their families, and contribute to a vibrant and prosperous city."

 With the help of the Home Builders Association of Greater Tulsa and Hardesty Family Foundation, Union’s Construction Academy opened in spring 2020 with 150 freshman students who enrolled in the Construction 1 class. In the 2021-22 school year, Union expanded the program to serve over 220 students in grades 9-12. Today, the program serves over 300 students.

About OSU Institute of Technology

Located in Okmulgee, Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology is a recognized leader in applied technology education and is known for world-class teaching facilities, partnerships with industry, and a nearly 90 percent career placement rate. OSUIT offers 38 degree programs that are consistent with emerging market trends and prepare students to fill a continued demand for highly qualified industry professionals. 

For more information about OSUIT and its programs, visit www.osuit.edu.