Johnson Controls and Kennedy-King College partner to bridge skilled trades gap

Johnson Controls and Kennedy-King College recently hosted a partnership showcase for community leaders and Kennedy-King students and instructors.

During the event, attendees received an overview of how the company and the college are working together to address the skilled trades workforce gap and grow Kennedy-King’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) program through the Johnson Controls Community College Partnership Program (CCPP). Attendees also heard from several current students on the positive impact the program has had on their lives through skill development and career opportunity. The day concluded with a live demonstration of what students learn in class and a tour of the facility.

"Programs like Kennedy-King's are critical to train the next wave of talent and address the ongoing skilled trades workforce gap," said Yollande Tchouapi, Regional Vice President at Johnson Controls. "We are already seeing a return on this investment through the quality of the students graduating and I'm excited to watch as these talented individuals grow in their career, support their families and communities and hopefully come to work at Johnson Controls."

Kennedy-King President Katonja Webb Walker said, “We have recognized the demand here in our community and across the region for a highly skilled trade workforce and we are proud to serve as a leading source of that talent in the Chicago market. Working with Johnson Controls on our HVAC program is helping to not only build awareness about the incredible need for more workers in the building technologies industry but also helping us support students as they train for careers that offer advancement and family sustaining wages.”

Michael Whiting, a student enrolled in the HVAC program at Kennedy-King was one of the students who spoke at the event: “My long-term goal is to become a licensed technician and one day start my own service company. What I’m learning in this program is going to help me get there. I’m especially interested in emerging smart HVAC technologies and being able to work with Johnson Controls techs, currently in the field, has been important in learning how that tech is being used today. I’m excited about the career ahead of me.”

Since 2021, Johnson Controls has donated $373,000 in funding and $101,000 of in-kind equipment to Kennedy-King through its Johnson Controls Community College Partnership Program (CCPP). Last year alone, the company supported almost 50 scholarships.

Launched in 2021 to help students prepare for and embark on career paths in sustainable building practices, Johnson Controls has provided 30 community colleges so far with funding to expand access to educational programs in HVAC, fire, security and digital disciplines. It is on track to donate $15 million by the end of 2026.

Learn more about Johnson Controls commitment to addressing the skilled trades workforce gap here.