Attic spaces are routinely a tight fit for HVAC repair technicians. Canadian Valley Technology Center’s El Reno Campus has a new training tool to enhance real-world scenarios for future technicians, courtesy of a $5,000 Lowe’s Technical Classroom Enhancement grant.

Lowe’s provides grants for SkillsUSA chapters across the country to help them upgrade tools and purchase materials or supplies for the benefit of students. SkillsUSA is one of a handful of student organizations in which CV Tech students can enhance leadership skills, compete at local, state and national contests and upgrade their career skillset.

The grant funds paid for lumber at one of their stores. Students built the two-story wood stud structure inside the school’s HVAC shop. The A-frame training space includes a mock attic, which sits atop a 10-by 10-foot framed structure.

Students can now practice moving heating and cooling equipment from the ground level to the elevated attic space. Students will also have the opportunity to practice walking and moving equipment on ceiling joists with fall protection.

Additionally, mock stations are planned so students can practice making cuts for installation of vent pipes for a furnace flue, kitchen cooktop and dryer vents.

HVAC is offered in both the daytime and evening CV Tech’s El Reno Campus. A daytime program also operates at the school’s Chickasha Campus. HVAC is one of over three dozen career training options at CV Tech. For more information about programs or enrollment, visit cvtech.edu.