MCC Receives Over $1 Million Toward New Statewide Clean Energy Job Training Network

On Tuesday, April 28, the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced more than $13.4 million in awards to 13 Massachusetts community colleges through the Mass Clean Energy Center’s new Heat Pump and HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) Training Network. Middlesex Community College will receive $1,250,000 to establish a noncredit program in partnership with MassHire Lowell Career Center.

“The funding gives MCC the opportunity to be part of an important statewide effort to train technicians in this fast-growing field,” said Angel Escalona, MCC’s Assistant Professor of Engineering. “It allows us to build a workforce training program with modern, state-of-the-art equipment and focus on technologies that are becoming essential in today’s energy landscape. This program gives people from diverse economic, social and racial backgrounds access to a high-quality training program they might not otherwise have.”

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MCC’s accelerated, cohort-based program is in response to strong regional demand for skilled HVAC technicians. Curriculum will focus on developing practical, job-ready skills in alignment with current industry standards and employer needs. The combination of strong classroom instruction with hands-on lab experience reflects what students will encounter in the field, according to Escalona.

“[MCC’s program] removes many of the barriers that often prevent people from enrolling in this type of training,” Escalona said. “Because the program is free, students can access high-quality instruction without the burden of paying for tuition, tools or materials. This program will also provide wraparound support services to guide students from the moment they enroll through to job placement.”

Supported by the Department of Energy Resources (DOER), this initiative will help community colleges establish or upgrade training centers, expand capacity, and provide students with the resources they need to enter the workforce.The Heat Pump and HVAC Training Network will open pathways for more Mass. residents to pursue in-demand careers such as heat pump and HVAC mechanics and technicians, while helping employers meet growing workforce needs.

“We need a strong pipeline of energy workers to help keep our homes comfortable and lower energy bills,” said Governor Maura Healey. “By investing in HVAC and heat pump training programs, we’re making sure Massachusetts has the skilled workforce needed to meet growing demand and creating lasting economic opportunity in every corner of the state.”

“Community colleges are one of the most effective resources we have for connecting people to real opportunities,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “They open doors at every stage of a career and provide the training that employers depend on. These investments will strengthen that foundation and help more Massachusetts residents access well-paying, in-demand jobs.”

Grant funds will support MCC’s purchase of key training equipment, including residential heat pump and mini-split system. The college will also renovate an existing space to create a dedicated, industry-relevant HVAC training environment on MCC's Bedford Campus.

The equipment and lab space will also support the future development of a for credit HVAC certificate program. This ensures program sustainability, designed to serve students who prefer a longer academic training pathway, according to Katy Gentile, MCC’s Director of Corporate Education & Training.

“Through hands-on instruction, industry partnerships, and employer engagement, the program is expected to produce strong completion and employment outcomes for participants,” Gentile said. “This initiative works toward expanding both the region’s and MCC’s capacity to train workers for high-demand HVAC careers while advancing the Healey Administration’s clean energy workforce priorities.”

Beyond funding, Mass Clean Energy Center will ensure program quality and consistency through the development of a universal heat pump curriculum, a shared instructional framework, and contextualized English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) resources. Together, these efforts represent a coordinated, statewide push to expand training capacity, improve program quality, and create accessible pathways into clean energy careers for Massachusetts residents.

“The Heat Pump and HVAC Training Network is focused on what happens after the investment – more trained workers and closer alignment with employer demand,” said Mass Clean Energy Center CEO Ben Downing. “By pairing funding with a shared approach to curriculum and training, we’re helping to build an integrated system that can better support our workers and a clean energy future.”

About the Mass Clean Energy Center

The Mass Clean Energy Center is a state economic development agency dedicated to accelerating the growth of the clean energy and climatetech sector across the Commonwealth to spur job creation, deliver statewide environmental benefits, increase affordability, and secure long-term economic opportunities for the people of Massachusetts. Since 2010, MassCEC has awarded $990 million in programs and investments and attracted $3 billion in private and public funds. Learn more about MassCEC’s workforce programs.

About Middlesex Community College

Middlesex Community College is proud to serve the communities of Greater Bedford and Lowell. One of the largest, most comprehensive community colleges in Massachusetts, MCC meets each learner where they are. MCC is celebrating 55 years of impact and 10 years as an Asian American, Native American and Pacific Islander Serving Institution. Offering more than 80 degree and certificate programs – plus hundreds of noncredit courses – Middlesex features flexible course formats and a variety of award-winning student support services and resources. Find your fit at MCC! Learn more about MCC.