OSUIT partners with AAON to develop customized training for HVAC workforce

OSUIT partners with AAON to develop customized training for HVAC workforce

Friday, October 3, 2025

Media Contact: Josh Gammon | Integrated Marketing Specialist | 918-293-5034 | [email protected]

Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology has partnered with Tulsa-based commercial and industrial HVAC manufacturer AAON Inc. to create customized training courses designed to grow the skill set and careers of AAON employees.

This initiative builds on OSUIT's mission to serve industry partners with workforce-driven education while supporting AAON's commitment to innovation, product quality and professional development.

Dr. Abbey Davis, executive director of organizational development and impact at AAON, explained the growing need for advanced, hands-on workforce training initiatives.

"As demand from our data center and commercial and industrial markets expands, this collaboration ensures our workforce continues to be industry leaders, equipped with the expertise to support AAON's innovation, maintain the highest product quality and meet the growing need for HVAC solutions," Davis said.

Anna Dinsmore-Hearn, director of workforce and economic development at OSUIT, said the institute's priority is to design training that directly reflects industry needs while providing employees with clear pathways to advance their careers.

"Our collaboration with AAON demonstrates how higher education and industry can work together to create innovative, hands-on training programs that strengthen Oklahoma's workforce and support the continued growth of one of the state's leading manufacturers," Dinsmore-Hearn said.

Through this collaboration, OSUIT will adapt existing for-credit course content into multiple non-credit microcredential courses based in fields such as industrial cooling systems, refrigeration controls, electrical integration and energy efficiency.

The development of these courses will include lesson plans, multimedia assets, assessments and supplementary resources covering a wide range of heating, ventilation and air conditioning-related topics. It will take place in close partnership with industry-leading experts from AAON to ensure accuracy and relevancy.

This workforce training initiative is expected to be offered to AAON employees beginning in spring 2026.