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AHOSKIE – It’s a great compliment to a college when alumni choose to give back in some way.

David Pittman (Class of 2023) decided to give back to Roanoke-Chowan Community College (R-CCC) by teaching and serving students. Pittman has been selected as the college’s Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration Technology (HVAC) Program Coordinator.

Just prior to coming back to R-CCC, Pittman worked with a local HVAC contractor, RE Whitley out of Edenton for a few years.

“Mr. Whitley allowed me to work flexible hours so I could attend college here,” said Pittman. “I enjoyed that because I could attend class and then directly apply what I had learned to the job site.”

While on that job, Pittman installed, maintained and repaired HVAC systems for residential customers.

Students who enroll in the HVAC program will learn those same skills. They gain foundational knowledge and then get hands-on training that will benefit them in the field and prepare them for real-life work. Pittman added that area employers such as Thermo Fisher Scientific are calling him, looking for potential employees.

“HVAC is a highly needed trade in our area. It is an area that requires skill combined with hard work. With the knowledge of this trade, it will open many job opportunities such as working with contractors, starting your own business, and working with commercial and industrial companies,” explained Pittman.

“The HVAC curriculum is so attractive to many students because they learn a little bit about a lot of things such as electrical, refrigeration and plumbing. And, if they take the exam for a contractor’s license, they can start their own businesses,” he added.

The job salary and outlook are bright for HVAC graduates. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, median pay for HVAC mechanics and installers is nearly $60,000 per year. Pittman added that many graduates can earn more than $30 per hour after completing the program. Employment is projected to grow around 9 percent, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.

“On behalf of R-CCC, I am proud to welcome David Pittman as our new HVAC program coordinator. His expertise and dedication will empower our students to build essential skills for a brighter, more sustainable future. Together, we will shape the next generation of skilled technicians in this vital industry,” said R-CCC President Dr. Murray J. Williams.

The HVAC program is enrolling students for Spring 2025 and offers the associate in applied science degree, and the certificate and diploma tracks. For more information, contact Pittman at 252-862-1372.