Commercial and Residential Skilled Trades

Heating and air-conditioning systems control the temperature, humidity, and total air quality in residential, commercial, industrial, and other buildings. Heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration technicians install, maintain, and repair such systems. Students will attain a fundamental understanding of basic commercial refrigeration and heating systems including circuit wiring, reading schematics, brazing, and soldering. After demonstrations of refrigeration software, students will build a basic refrigeration system. After successful program completion, students will take the E.P.A. Refrigerant Handling Certification test required to handle commercial refrigerant.

Individuals who have completed the HVAC program or any of the HVAC classes in the past may re-take the class/program for ½ off the cost of tuition. Those who are interested may contact M-TEC at 616-738-8935 extension 4200 and request their name is placed on the waiting list. Two weeks before the class/program begins, M-TEC will notify the individuals whether there is an opening for tuition at the reduced rate.

Enrolling in the full program only at this time.

Dates: 6/5/2023 to 9/6/2023
Schedule:  Monday through Thursday; 7:30 AM to 11:30 AM

Cost:  $3,046 (Tuition $2,878 - includes certification + Textbook $168)
Format:  Traditional/Lab
Location:  Thompson M-TEC Main Campus 

Certification:  Refrigerant Recovery

Program Courses Include:

• Heating, Service & Equipment
• Basic Refrigeration
• Air Conditioning
• Commercial Refrigeration
• Refrigerant Recovery Certification

The Property Maintenance Technician program provides the hands-on training needed to inspect, maintain and repair a building's systems, including electrical, plumbing, and HVAC. Students will also learn appliance, interior and exterior maintenance and repair. These skills prepare students to upkeep services in a variety of commercial workplace settings including apartment buildings. 

CAMT (Certificate for Apartment Maintenance Technician) Certification testing is available after completion of the training. A high school diploma is recommended but not required. Must provide proof of passing a background check.

Members of the Property Management Association of West Michigan (PMAWM) receive a $50 discount off the program cost.

Prerequisite: Module 1, Electrical Maintenance and Repair (for Modules 2 and 3)

Dates:  TBD
Cost:  $1,550 (Tuition $1,091 + Textbook & Certification $459)
Format: Traditional/Lab
Location: Thompson M-TEC Main Campus 

Certification:  Optional Certified Apartment Maintenance Technician (CAMT)

Program Outline:

• Module 1: Electrical Maintenance and Repair
• Module 2: Appliance Maintenance and Repair
• Module 3: Heating & Air Conditioning Systems Maintenance and Repair
• Module 4: Plumbing Maintenance and Repair
• Module 5: Interior & Exterior Maintenance and Repair
• Module 6: Inside the Apartment Business - 2 hr. online
• Module 7: People, Projects, and Profits - 2 hr. online
  Certificate for Apartment Maintenance Technician (CAMT)

Enrolling in the full program only at this time.

Dates:  9/12/2022 to 1/16/2023
Schedule:  Monday and Wednesday; 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Cost:  $2,366 ($2,050 Tuition, Includes starter tool kit + $316 Textbooks)
Format:  Traditional
Location:  Thompson M-TEC

This 15-week, hands-on program prepares students to enter the growing plumbing industry. Students will learn about plumbing tools, types of pipes and fittings, blueprint reading, installation of plumbing equipment and appliances, navigating the International Plumbing Code Book. Students will also earn their 10-hour OSHA Certification. 

All students receive a free starter toolkit.

Upon completion of the program, students are qualified to enter a plumbing apprenticeship program and typically start earning $25.53/hr.

Included in the HVAC-R Program

Dates:  6/5/2023 to 6/29/2023
Schedule:  Monday through Thursday; 7:30 AM to 11:30 AM
Cost:  $1,073 (Tuition $905 + Textbook $168)
Format:  Traditional
Location:  Thompson M-TEC Main Campus 

Description:
In this 64-hour course, you will gain knowledge of various efficiency furnaces and the four types of ignition systems used. Learn about basic wiring of electrical circuits, control circuits, thermostats and limits, and all meters and tools used for servicing a furnace. Lab work includes troubleshooting and servicing a gas furnace; computer lab experience involves making repairs of simulated furnace field problems using interactive computer software. This course has transferable College Credit.

Included in the HVAC-R Program

Dates: 7/6/2023 to 7/19/2023
Schedule:  Monday through Thursday; 7:30 AM to 11:30 AM
Cost:  $454 
(Textbook purchased in Heating Service & Equipment is for the complete HVACR program) Format:  Traditional
Location:  Thompson M-TEC Main Campus 

Prerequisite:  Heating Service & Equipment for HVACR or test out at M-TEC

Description:
In this 32-hour course, you will attain a fundamental understanding of basic mechanical refrigeration systems with an introduction to compressors, condensers, flow controls, evaporators, and refrigerants. Upon successful completion apply to take the E.P.A. Refrigerant Handling Certification Test (a national trade requirement). This course has transferable College Credit.

Register online for the full program

Included in the HVAC-R Program

Dates:  7/24/2023 to 08/09/2023
Schedule:  Monday through Thursday; 7:30 AM to 11:30 AM
Cost:  $605 
(Textbook purchased in Heating Service & Equipment is for the complete HVACR program)
Format:  Traditional
Location:  Thompson M-TEC Main Campus 

Prerequisite:  Heating, Service & Equipment and Basic Refrigeration, or test out at M-TEC

Description:
In this 44-hour course, you will obtain hands-on experience to ensure the performance of fully operational HVAC equipment. Course objectives cover cycles of operation, the importance of proper airflow, and components of safety protection. Air conditioning maintenance practice includes brazing and soldering of copper, refrigerant recovery, charging a unit, calculating superheat, subcooling, and troubleshooting. Gain experience in calculating air flow using anemometers, the temperature rise method, and unit capacity in the cooling mode. Upon successful completion of the course, students can apply to take the E.P.A. Refrigerant Handling Certification test. This course has transferable College Credit.

Register online for the full program

Included in the HVAC-R Program

Dates:  8/4/2023 to 9/6/2023
Schedule:  Monday through Thursday; 7:30 AM to 11:30 AM
Cost:  $679 
(Textbook purchased in Heating Service & Equipment is for the complete HVACR program)
Format:  Traditional
Location:  Thompson M-TEC Main Campus 

Prerequisite:  Heating, Service & Equipment and Basic Refrigeration, or test out at M-TEC

Description:
In this 48-hour course, you will expand your knowledge with this fast-paced review of basic refrigeration cycles, components, and equipment. Learn about brazing and soldering, wiring of circuits and reading schematics. Witness demonstrations of refrigeration software for troubleshooting and repairs, then build a basic refrigeration system with a capillary tube or TXV metering devices. This course has transferable College Credit.

Included in the HVAC-R Program

Dates:  8/10/2023, to 8/24/2023 
Schedule:  Thursday; 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Cost:  $235 (test included)
Format:  Traditional
Location:  Thompson M-TEC Main Campus 

Prerequisites Recommended:  Basic Refrigeration, Air-Conditioning, and Commercial Refrigeration

Certification Types:

• Type I-Small Appliances
• Type II-High Pressure and Very High-Pressure Appliances
• Type III-Low Pressure Appliances
• Universal-Type I, II, & III

Description:
To comply with Section 608 of the Federal Clean Air Act, all persons who maintain, service, repair or dispose of appliances that contain regulated refrigerants must be certified in proper refrigerant handling techniques. Prepare to take the Refrigerant Recovery Certification exam in this 9-hour course, which includes the basic exam requirements, a sample test, a review, and the exam itself. This course has transferable College Credit.

Included in the Property Maintenance Technician Program

Dates; TBD
Schedule:  TBD
Cost: $729 (Tuition $270 + Textbook $459) 
Format:  Traditional
Location: Thompson M-TEC Main Campus

Description:
Your roles and responsibilities in this 24-hour electrical maintenance and repair class include electrical basics and terms; electrical safety; tools and equipment for electrical repairs; electrical wires; main service panels; wall switches; receptacles; incandescent and fluorescent light fixtures; and smoke alarms.

Included in the Property Maintenance Technician Program

Dates; TBD
Schedule:  TBD
Cost:  $195 
Format:  Traditional
Location:  Thompson M-TEC Main Campus 

Prerequisite:  Electrical Maintenance and Repair

Description:
Your roles and responsibilities in this 16-hour appliance maintenance and repair class include diagnosing appliance problems; appliance safety; tools and equipment for appliance repairs; clothes washers and dryers; ovens and cooktops; dishwashers and refrigerators.

Included in the Property Maintenance Technician Program

Dates: TBD
Schedule:  TBD
Cost:  $315
Format:  Traditional
Location:  Thompson M-TEC Main Campus 

Prerequisite:  Electrical Maintenance and Repair

Description:
Your roles and responsibilities in this 28-hour Heating and Air Conditioning Systems Maintenance & Repair class include heating safety; tools and equipment for heating repairs; air distribution; electric furnaces; electric baseboard heating; gas furnaces; and hydronic heating, air conditioning safety; tools and equipment for air conditioning repairs; refrigerants and their special properties; the air conditioning system; simple fixes; refrigerant system repairs and air distribution system repairs.

Included in the Property Maintenance Technician Program

Dates:  TBD
Schedule:  TBD
Cost:  $195
Format:  Traditional
Location:  Thompson M-TEC Main Campus 

Description:
Your roles and responsibilities in this 16-hour plumbing maintenance and repair class include plumbing basics and terms; plumbing safety; tools and equipment for plumbing repairs; shut-off valves; plumbing pipes and fittings; faucets and sinks; garbage disposals; tubs and showers; toilets; drains, and water heaters.

Included in the Property Maintenance Technician Program

Dates:  TBD
Schedule:  TBD
Cost:  $116
Format:  Traditional
Location:  Thompson M-TEC Main Campus

Description:
Your roles and responsibilities in this 8-hour interior and exterior maintenance and repair class include make-ready maintenance; caulking; ceilings and walls; locks; tile; curb appeal; swimming pool area safety; and inspections of building exteriors.