FARMINGTON — Greater Franklin County local heating, ventilation and air conditioning employers are looking for employees, especially those with an interest and knowledge of the business. An introductory class is being offered this spring to educate job seekers about the well-paying field and the skill sets necessary to be successful as an HVAC technician.

Franklin County Adult Education and Spruce Mountain Adult and Community Education are offering the opportunity to the community. An HVAC orientation will be held from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 28, at Foster Tech Center at the Mt. Blue Campus. The orientation will give an overview of HVAC basics, employment opportunities available and what the future of the business looks like.

Andrew Bracy, an experienced service technician at Valley Gas and Oil in Kingfield, will lead the class and provide hands-on experience for each student. This is a multi-faceted and ever-changing field, with new advances in heat pumps, solar and geothermal energy and natural gas.

“The field is always evolving. If technology interests you, there is a number of new ways to get involved and always be challenged,” said Bracy.

Currently, there are not enough HVAC technicians to meet the needs of the industry. With the high demand for employees comes higher wages, an opportunity for advancement and a chance to start a life-long career.

The course will run from the March 28 orientation through May 30 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. each Monday and Wednesday at Foster Tech Center.

Subject matter will include the introduction of multiple systems, worker safety and industry terminology. Students will also be required to job shadow with a local employer.

Cost of the course is $175. Funding sources are available for students who are eligible. If interested in attending the orientation, contact the local adult education program: Mt. Blue at 207-778-3460 or Spruce Mountain at 207-897-6406.

Graduates of the 2017 Spruce Mountain and Franklin County Adult Ed HVAC collaborative, from left, are Martin Bolduc, Daren Lovewell, John Hawes, Anthony Mitchell, Zachary Penley and Harvey Blood.