Instructor Roadmap

Many new instructors come directly from the field and, without guidance, are tasked with teaching one or more HVACR classes. Without direction, how can instructors be sure that their instruction is delivering what the industry needs? 

To address this issue, many instructors will pose the following question during their program advisory meeting, “Does our curriculum cover the competencies needed by industry?”  They do so with the hopes and expectations of obtaining rapid affirmation that the program does indeed adequately cover the skills that those entering the HVACR workforce need. However, industry professionals attending these meetings are often presented with only a rudimentary list of the courses offered in the program and a very short period, often in the range of five to ten minutes, to accomplish this task. As a result, this all-important question often goes unanswered. 

What the program instructors and administrators are seeking by posing this question is assistance in constructing a map that provides an educational path that ensures students obtain the knowledge required for success as an entry level technician. But there is no need to reinvent the wheel. This work has already been done! 

Nationally recognized, third-party certification organizations have already constructed these maps, known as job and task analyses. They did so by assembling teams of subject matter experts from across the country, representing various segments of the HVACR industry. These job and task analysis documents provide details on all aspects of the work done in the field and identify the elements of the occupation that can be classified as individual jobs. Each job is then broken down into a list of tasks and competencies needed for success in that specific area by entry level technicians. 

While it took these national organizations years to create, the results of their efforts are available to the HVACR industry FREE OF CHARGE. This FREE resource provides a list of the basic competencies that should be incorporated into most HVACR educational programs, to prepare students with the knowledge and skills necessary for employment. 

To further simplify the use of the competency and task list, leading publishers have cross-walked their textbooks to validate that they cover them. This process helps you identify what competencies to cover, what text will cover them, and successfully prepare your students for their HVAC Excellence Employment Ready Certifications. 

All instructors aspire to effectively prepare their students for success in the HVACR industry. Using the HVAC Excellence competency and task list, members of your program advisory committee can focus their time and efforts on other program-related issues, helping to ensure that their students reach their destination, employment in our great industry! 

Download the competency and task list by visiting escogroup.org.