Automotive students at Pitt State among first in nation to earn new industry certification

Opportunities for students in Pittsburg State University's Automotive Technology program extend far beyond the classroom, thanks to strong industry partnerships, nationally recognized faculty, and state-of-the-industry laboratories that provide hands-on experiences unavailable at many institutions.

The latest example came this fall, when about 30 Pitt State students joined with about 25 automotive technicians from across the U.S. for a first-of-its-kind certification training developed by the Mobile Air Climate Systems Association (MACS).

The training, conducted in state-of-the-industry training labs at the university's Crossland Technology Center, was designed to build real-world skills in mobile air conditioning, which have evolving standards.

"It's really special that Pitt State students were among the first in the country to earn the new certification," said Professor Scott Norman, who taught one of the breakout sessions. Norman is considered an industry expert: He co-authored the training textbook "Auto Heating and Air Conditioning" with Chris Johanson.

Why it matters

For Automotive Technology major Kael Rundquist, a student in the 4-Year Heavy Diesel program, the experience reinforced the advantages of the university's industry-connected approach.

"We have to keep up with the most recent technology and standards, and this is an excellent way to do that," Rundquist said. "It's a big deal for our students to be able to get certified right here on campus. When they graduate, they'll have a leg up, they'll have this on their résumé, and they'll be able to hit the ground running at whatever job they start."

The practical nature of the training was especially valuable.

"At my internship with Kiewit in Louisville, Kentucky, this summer, the number one complaint from vehicle operators was that the A/C wasn't flowing as it should," Rundquist said. "In today's temperatures, we've had extended periods of 100-degree-plus weather. If you're a farmer in the field, or a driver of any sort, that's really uncomfortable if the A/C isn't functioning properly."

The principles apply broadly across transportation sectors.

"Fundamentally, all systems are the same, whether it's a car or a large piece of heavy equipment," Rundquist said. "Whatever knowledge you get here, the training rolls over. It's more or less universal."

What students learned

The immersive training was built around hands-on laboratory exercises, live instruction, and assessments covering best practices. Participants learned about refrigerants, lubricants, leak detection, service procedures, system testing, refrigerant recovery, and new technologies emerging as the industry transitions to more environmentally friendly refrigerants.

Guided by industry professionals, attendees rotated through multiple stations, diagnosing faulty air-conditioning systems, performing leak detection procedures, testing compressors, learning retrofit techniques, and practicing refrigerant recovery procedures designed to prevent emissions into the atmosphere.

The training featured a variety of vehicles and equipment, including a fully electric Ford F-150 Lightning and a hybrid Chevrolet Volt, giving participants exposure to technologies increasingly common in today's vehicle fleet.

Global manufacturer Autel also brought advanced diagnostic equipment to campus, allowing students to work directly with industry-leading tools.

"It's a unique opportunity to be able to work with a manufacturer that's known worldwide for being one of the best in their field," Rundquist said.

Why Pitt State?

MACS Executive Director Megan Capie said Pitt State was the obvious choice to launch the program.

"The goal behind this was to create something for training that you couldn't just get sitting behind a screen," Capie said.

She cited two reasons in particular.

"First, Scott Norman. He's a household name in the industry," she said, pointing to the textbook that Norman co-authored. "Second, just look at this lab and the way it's set up. It's perfect."

Capie said MACS plans to introduce the training nationally. The organization will showcase the model launched at Pitt State at the annual conference in Savannah, Georgia, in January, before taking it on the road.

"Our goal is to make it accessible nationwide," Capie said.

The success of the training reflects a hallmark of Pitt State's Automotive Technology program: students routinely gain direct access to industry experts, manufacturers, professional organizations, and emerging technologies while learning in facilities designed to mirror current workplace environments.

For Rundquist, who will graduate in December and already has multiple job offers, those opportunities have made a difference.

"It's experiences like this that set Pitt State apart," he said.

Learn more:

School of Automotive and Engineering Technology