Northern Essex Community College is one of the state’s 13 community colleges participating in the Mass Clean Energy Center’s (MassCEC) new Heat Pump and HVAC Training Network. This week, the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced more than $13 million in awards for the program, supported by the Department of Energy Resources (DOER).
The Heat Pump and HVAC Training Network will open pathways for more Massachusetts residents to pursue in-demand careers such as heat pump and HVAC mechanics and technicians, while helping employers meet growing workforce needs. The initiative is expected to support at least 500 additional learners and drive long-term growth through investments in infrastructure and equipment.

Lt. Governor Driscoll toured the science building renovation in April

Northern Essex will receive $1,105,455 in funding as part of the new initiative.  NECC will establish a new state-of-the-art 1,500 square-foot, HVAC mini-split heat pump training facility in the newly-refurbished science building on its Haverhill campus to expand and complement an existing HVAC lab at the neighboring Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School. Together, these facilities will deliver hands-on technical training and credentialing to a growing number of existing HVAC workers, high school students, new workers and former fossil fuel workers from nearby communities.

Haverhill nonprofit Community Action, Incorporated (CAI) will assist in recruitment, referrals, wrap-around supports, case management and non-technical trainings in employability. CAI will build on its expertise as an HVAC training provider for the MassSave program, along with its successful existing partnership with Whittier Tech for welding certification training.

“Programs like these are critical in addressing the workforce needs of the Merrimack Valley,” said Northern Essex President Lane Glenn. “NECC is committed to providing students with a clear pathway to in-demand, well-paying careers, and we know that clean energy is a field that will continue to expand. We are grateful for MassCEC and our local partners.”

Construction on the HVAC mini-split heat pump training facility at NECC is part of an existing $17 million building renovation project that is scheduled for completion by early 2027.

The thirteen community colleges to receive funding are:

Berkshire Community College: $1,188,635
Bristol Community College: $1,199,694
Bunker Hill Community College: $1,130,000
Cape Cod Community College: $1,250,000
Greenfield Community College: $810,000
Massasoit Community College: $555,000
MassBay Community College: $1,200,000
Middlesex Community College: $1,250,000
Northern Essex Community College: $1,105,455
North Shore Community College: $1,069,431
Quinsigamond Community College: $824,556
Roxbury Community College: $1,079,472
Springfield Technical Community College: $809,989

For more information about workforce training at NECC, visit the webpage.