Air conditioning is vital, especially in Texas, and soon Wylie will have students equipped to repair them if they break in the summer heat. 

A new hands-on class is available that teaches students how to work on and repair AC units, HVAC, or Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning. It is taught by Mr. Ronnie Bayless, the Assistant DIrector of Maintenance. Once his students complete the course, they will get certified to actually work on AC units. 

“I chose to take this class because I was looking for a more hands-on form of learning that I was not getting with my normal engineering courses,” junior Braxton Aylor said.

HVAC is part of the Construction experience pathway, so students will get real experience. Throughout the course of the year, they will learn basic soldering techniques, electricity and wiring and how to properly set up and operate an air conditioning unit. 

“I want to be an Aerospace engineer when I grow up, so this class is great for the technical skills I learn and the thermodynamics,” junior Brian Satterwhite said. “I highly enjoy this class because it is very hands-on and that’s what I’ve been looking for that some of the other engineering classes don’t offer.”

The small size of the class allows students to ask more questions and practice their techniques. The class only became available last year, so it is a new opportunity to learn a different type of engineering. 

“I really like how hands-on the class is. Plus Mr. Bayless is such a good teacher. He can help you with anything you need help with that is HVAC related,” junior Gilbert Villa said. “This class has taught me a lot about AC and how things flow through the system and how they work.”

Students also learn basic knowledge of engineering, plumbing and being an HVAC technician.

“The main takeaway of this class is common sense,” Aylor said. “Without common sense, you won’t get far in the world of HVAC.”