Students in Raritan Valley Community College’s Commercial Energy Management Technology (CEM-Tech) program are benefiting from manufacturer-specific training that builds their skills in software and hardware technology used in building automation, energy auditing and building commissioning.
Now in its fifth year of operation, the CEM-Tech program boasts a 100% hiring rate for graduates who plan to go into the workforce directly after graduating from RVCC. Many students secure employment even before they complete the program.
RVCC’s CEM-Tech students gain hands-on experience working with lab controllers, trainers, and software from such industry partners as Siemens, Johnson Controls, and Automated Logic—companies that hire RVCC program graduates. Students also utilize RVCC’s college campus as a living lab. Through the training, students also develop skills that assist them at job interviews.
“As an employer, ATC Systems has had the privilege of working closely with Raritan Valley Community College for many years to find quality candidates,” said Annmarie Tullo Longi, CFO of ATC Systems, Inc., in Middlesex, a longtime NJBIA member. “As a specialized contractor in the Building Automation industry, finding the best prepared candidates is vital to our continued success and we are pleased to say that Raritan Valley always provides us with well trained, reliable professionals.
“Raritan Valley’s Commercial Energy Management is a strong, well-prepared program that relates to our type of business,” Longi said. “ATC Systems certainly recommends them to future students and other employers as we all build for the future.”
RVCC offers two options for students interested in CEM-Tech: a two-year Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree, which prepares students for any level position in these fields, and a one-year certificate program that trains incumbent workers with strong prior knowledge of HVAC systems for career advancement from HVAC into the world of Automation and Energy.
The AAS degree in Commercial Energy Management Technology prepares students to start careers as energy, facilities, operations, building, plant, and maintenance managers; energy auditors and/or technicians; maintenance supervisors; building and grounds superintendents; building automation technicians/programmers/engineers; project engineers and/or project managers; new construction technicians and/or sales associates.
Graduates are qualified for employment with companies that service Building Management Systems, and/or physical plant departments in colleges, hospitals, and government buildings, commercial and industrial facilities.
The CEM-Tech Certificate is designed for currently employed HVAC professionals who are interested in acquiring additional skills that will help advance their careers. It is also helpful for entry-level LEED and/or junior engineering majors who could benefit from learning the practical aspects of auditing, direct digital control, web-based networking and integration, and the commissioning process.
Job assistance is available for all CEM-Tech graduates, and the programs are eligible for federal and state student financial aid. To enroll in either program, students must have a high school diploma or equivalency.
For additional information about CEM-Tech options at RVCC, contact Program Coordinator Paul Flor at 908-526-1200, ext. 8577 or paul.flor@raritanval.edu or visit https://www.raritanval.edu/career-training/career-training-programs/cem-tech.
RVCC is located at 118 Lamington Road in Branchburg. For further information, visit www.raritanval.edu.
