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G.I.V.E. Grant provides cutting edge geothermal technology trainer for TCAT Dickson students
Press Release
By: Janine Wine
Communications and Marketing Coordinator
TCAT Dickson
DICKSON, TN: Students enrolled in the Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration (HAC) program at Tennessee College of Applied Technology – Dickson (TCAT Dickson) are learning about green energy and how to install geothermal heat pumps thanks to a Governor’s Investment in Vocational Education grant.
TCAT Dickson was able to purchase a geothermal heat pump trainer for its main campus in Dickson, but that’s not all. They were also able to purchase two additional trainers for East Hickman High School and Hickman County High School, who are partners in the GIVE 2.0 Grant. Both high schools have students who dual enroll with TCAT Dickson’s Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration program.
The geothermal heat pump trainers, valued at $65,000 each, are designed to train students in several ways to install the energy efficient units. “This is our first step towards green energy training,” TCAT Dickson HAC instructor David Collins said. “Instead of having a unit outside, it’s all underground – you never have to worry about outside conditions with one of these units,” Collins explained.
The geothermal heat pumps use the constant underground temperatures of the shallow earth as thermal storage that then enables heating and cooling to be more efficient.
While the initial expense to a residential consumer is around $25,000, Collins said the geothermal units last two to three times longer than the more popular units currently used in residential homes making them more affordable in the end.
Having the new trainer at TCAT Dickson allows the college’s students to gain skills using cutting-edge technology. “It’s important for people to know we have this technology available to our students. It’s new and we are at the forefront of teaching this technology,” Collins said.
Brandon Morgan was a dual enrollment student who went to East Hickman High School in Hickman County and then enrolled at TCAT Dickson after high school graduation. He was one of the first TCAT Dickson students to work on the new geothermal trainer.
“When I first started the (dual enrollment) program the program was new. I really liked the program. I knew there were good job opportunities with this, and that it was a really good career,” Morgan said. Morgan was the first HAC dual enrollment student from Hickman County to complete the full HAC program at TCAT Dickson. “I had an idea of how this was going to go, and it’s gone well. I’m happy I made the transition (from dual enrollment to adult college student),” Morgan said.
Anyone interested in learning more about the Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration program offered at TCAT Dickson can schedule a free tour online or by calling the college at 615-441-6220. The program has been accredited by HVAC Excellence and is one of TCAT Dickson’s career in a year programs where students can graduate in just one year.
TCAT Dickson is a Tennessee Board of Regents institution, is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education, and complies with non-discrimination laws: Title VI, Title IX, Section 504, and ADA. Located on Highway 46 in Dickson, the technical training college also has extension campuses in Clarksville, and Franklin. Additional information about the school is located at www.TCATDickson.edu.
TCAT Dickson Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration instructor David Collins (left) assists student Brandon Morgan on the geothermal heat pump trainer at the main campus in Dickson. The trainer valued at $65,000 is innovative technology and the first step in teaching green energy technology.