Students can train close to home for jobs that are in demand across the region.
VERO BEACH, Fla. — Indian River State College will expand its Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning/Refrigeration (HVAC-R) I program to the Mueller Campus in Vero Beach beginning in Spring 2027 to help meet the growing demand for skilled HVAC technicians across the Treasure Coast.
The HVAC/R I Mechanic Assistant Certificate is a career and technical education program that prepares students for entry-level jobs through classroom instruction and hands-on training. Students can complete the program in about 11 months.
The program expands training opportunities for Indian River County residents and helps meet workforce needs across the region. Graduates can work as HVAC/R mechanic assistants or continue their education at the College.
“Florida is projected to add about 5,400 jobs for HVAC and refrigeration mechanics and installers, and employment in the trade is projected to grow faster in the Indian River and Saint Lucie regions than statewide,” said Natalia Chekhovskaya, executive director of the College’s School of Advanced Manufacturing. “Indian River County already supports nearly 400 jobs in the trade. By expanding our HVAC training to Vero Beach, we’re giving more residents a chance to learn a skilled trade close to home and helping employers across the region build the workforce they’ll need in the years ahead.”
Indian River and St. Lucie counties support more than 850 HVAC jobs, with employment projected to grow to more than 1,000 positions by 2035, according to a workforce analysis by Lightcast.
Florida continues to experience strong demand for HVAC technicians, driven by population growth, commercial development and the state’s year-round climate. Indian River State College prepares students for jobs as HVAC technicians and offers advanced certificates and degrees. The College’s HVAC program has been ranked among the nation’s top HVAC programs.
The Spring 2027 cohort begins Jan. 11, 2027. Classes meet Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Mueller Campus, Building D, 6155 College Lane, Vero Beach. The registration deadline is Dec. 14, 2026. The College expects to enroll 15 students in the inaugural cohort.
More information about admissions, costs and program requirements is available through the College’s HVAC program webpage.
About Indian River State College
Indian River State College, serving Florida’s Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee counties, offers high-quality, affordable education to over 24,000 students annually through traditional and online courses. The College provides more than 130 programs leading to bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, and technical certificates. To learn more, visit irsc.edu.
