BCC Sees Another $1M for New Trades Program
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Community College was allocated more than $1 million from the state for an HVAC and heat pump trades program.
This will help BCC renovate an existing space into a lab and classroom, with the hope of welcoming the program’s first students in early 2027. Executive Director of Workforce and Community Education Linda Clairmont said there is "clearly" an interest, a lot of momentum, and demand for the skilled trades.
"We are beyond excited about this opportunity, not only for the college, but for the region, to be able to create a skilled trades program for adults, and it's a complement to what is already happening at the college," she said.
The $1,188,635 award was announced on Tuesday as part of $13.4 million to 13 state community colleges through the Mass Clean Energy Center’s new Heat Pump and HVAC Training Network. Between state and federal funding, the college has recently been allocated more than $2 million to diversify its educational offerings.
Earlier this month, U.S. Rep. Richard Neal visited the college to highlight the $995,000 he secured through congressionally directed spending for a Trades Academy.
The nearly $1.2 million in state funds will support a renovation on the first floor of the field administration building for an HVAC heat pump and lab classroom, along with two cohorts of ten students.
"We have made a lot of progress," Clairmont reported.
"We've identified a location, right on campus. We are working with architects and engineers right now to design the space, along with some expertise in what is state-of-the-art for HVAC training in real-world environments."
BCC hopes for construction to begin in the fall.
The larger vision is to build a Trades Academy at the college with a number of skilled trades programs for adults beyond just HVAC. The nearly $1 million in federal funding will support feasibility, design, and engineering work for a more comprehensive Trades Academy, and BCC will seek grants for equipment costs.
The Healey-Driscoll administration’s awards announcement was made at Massasoit Community College, one of the 13 institutions receiving funding. State officials say the Heat Pump and HVAC Training Network will open pathways for more Massachusetts residents to pursue in-demand careers such as heat pump and HVAC mechanics and technicians, while helping employers meet growing workforce needs.
The initiative, supported by the Department of Energy Resources, aims to help community colleges establish or upgrade training centers, expand capacity, and provide students with the resources they need to enter the workforce. It is expected to support at least 500 additional learners and drive long-term growth through investments in infrastructure and equipment.
"We need a strong pipeline of energy workers to help keep our homes comfortable and lower energy bills," Gov. Maura Healey said in a press release.
"By investing in HVAC and heat pump training programs, we’re making sure Massachusetts has the skilled workforce needed to meet growing demand and creating lasting economic opportunity in every corner of the state."
Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll added that community colleges are one of the most effective resources we have for connecting people to real opportunities, opening doors at every stage of a career, and providing the training that employers depend on.
"These investments will strengthen that foundation and help more Massachusetts residents access well-paying, in-demand jobs."
Tags: BCC, HVAC, state grant,
