Alaska Vocational Technical Center

Welcome to the Facility Maintenance Mechanical Trades program. Facility Maintenance Mechanical Trades technicians install, maintain, and repair heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and refrigeration systems; maintain and repair plumbing systems; troubleshoot and repair electrical controls as well as perform basic carpentry and residential wiring. Their knowledge and skills are in demand throughout Alaska in homes, office buildings, restaurants, public buildings, seafood processing and manufacturing plants, and shipping industries.
AVTEC's Facility Maintenance Mechanical Trades program is accredited through the Partnership for Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Accreditation (PAHRA) program. Accreditation from PAHRA certifies that the HVACR program at AVTEC has exceeded industry standards in its instruction, curriculum, student, faculty qualification and facility standards set forth by industry in areas of residential air conditioning and heating and commercial refrigeration.
AVTEC’s Facility Maintenance Mechanical Trades program is also accredited through the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER). The blend of classroom instruction, lab, and live work practice, helps students to learn the necessary skills to become a Facility Maintenance/Mechanical Trades technician. The course is fast-paced and challenging. The student should have some mechanical aptitude, strong mathematics and reading skills, and an ability to use their time productively.  Students train on common domestic and commercial refrigeration systems and a variety of plumbing and heating systems. Heat pumps, air conditioning and distribution systems, compressors, evaporators, condensers, control devices, control valves, electrical controls and motors, and electrical trainers are also used in training. Approximately 50% of the training is hands-on and 50% is classroom instruction. Training includes outdoor activities, so students need appropriate clothing for cold and wet working conditions. Industry Certifications During the program, students receive training and testing for the following industry certifications: 10-hour OSHA Construction Safety Certification EPA Technician Certification Exam Section 608 Industrial First Aid and CPR Industry Competency Exams (ICE) Students also complete the Industry Competency Exam (ICE) from the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute (ARI). This exam measures industry agreed standards of basic competency for entry-level technicians in Residential Air Conditioning and Heating, Light Commercial AC and Heating and Commercial Refrigeration.
Program Content To achieve a Facility Maintenance Mechanical Trades certificate, students must complete the following requirements. For a detailed description of each requirement, click on the link below.
Hours Related Studies 76 Plumbing 160 Electricity 300 Heating 300 Refrigeration Practices 370 Ventilation and Air Conditioning 110

Occupational Levels

Occupational levels of Plumbing Technician, Plumbing Repairer, Plumbing Assistant Repairer, Facility Maintenance Mechanical Technician, Facility Maintenance Mechanical Repairer, and Facility Maintenance Mechanical Assistant Helper will be assigned upon successful completion of the training program, based on the student’s proficiency of the program’s competencies.

Program Content

Related Studies
Participate in school safety orientation, complete achievement tests, obtain First Aid & CPR card, complete applied math class and computer skills practice, participate in resume writing and job search training, participate in interview and communications training.
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Plumbing
Identify and properly use common plumbing tools; install piping materials and fittings, valves, faucets and meters; install and maintain water heating and cooling systems; read and sketch plumbing and heating prints and isometric drawings.
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Electricity
Test and install common solid state devices; build and test motor control circuits; perform electrical tests; analyze basic series, parallel and combination resistive AC and DC circuits; sketch wiring diagram symbols; maintain and replace solenoids, pressure switches, thermostats and relays; install, replace and adjust time delay relays; identify, select, install and maintain common electrical control devices; demonstrate circuit construction workmanship, techniques and practices; identify, install and maintain common motors.
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Heating
Perform basic thermodynamics and heat transfer calculations; install and maintain gas burning equipment; demonstrate correct piping practices and sizing; demonstrate venting practices and sizing; identify, install, and maintain oil heat components, electrical heating equipment; identify and service steam and water boilers, install, test and maintain air humidifying and filtration systems and air distribution and balancing systems.
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Refrigeration Practices
Discuss applications and types of common refrigeration systems; troubleshoot and maintain defrost systems; correctly install and maintain ice makers; perform standard compressor function tests; install, test, troubleshoot and maintain refrigerant controls review EPA 608 Refrigerant Regulations and take EPA exam; install, troubleshoot, repair and maintain small hermetic refrigeration systems, identify common domestic and commercial refrigeration systems and diagnose complaints; service marine, automotive, and transportation refrigeration systems; review EPA 609 certificate requirements.
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Ventilation and Air Conditioning
Identify, select, install and maintain humidifiers, de-humidifiers, and coolers, air distribution, measurement, and cleaning equipment systems; select, install, and service thermostats, anticipators, sequential and electronic controllers, and air handler controls.
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