About HVAC & Green Energy

Do you have a passion for green energy and industrial technologies? Explore our HVAC & Green Energy pathway, focusing on skills in areas such as robotics, manufacturing, mechatronics, electric vehicles, and more! Plus, earn certifications along the way!

If you are a returning student, apply online at mcusd2.org/enroll-LIFT. If you are new to LIFT, welcome! Please start the application process by speaking to your high school guidance counselor.

Available Certifications/Dual Credit Opportunities in HVAC & Green Energy:

  • NCCER Core

  • OSHA 10

  • CPR

  • EPA 608 Universal

  • NCCER Level 1

  • HVAC Excellence Certificates

  • LLC Dual Credit: LLC-HVAC 062

  • NCCER Level 2

  • Dual Credit: HVC-068 Air Conditioning I

  • NCCER Level 3

  • LLC Dual Credit: HVC-072 Heat Generating Systems

  • NCCER Electrical Level 1

  • Siemens SCE Automation Fundamentals Certification

  • FANUC Operator I / Operator II

  • LLC Dual Credit: CIM-044 Industrial Robotics

  • FANUC Technician I / II

  • Rockwell LOGIX Programmer Certificate

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Choose your Area of Emphasis (AOE)

Meet the Facilitator

I began my teaching career in 2021 as the Mattoon Middle School Industrial Technology teacher. Prior to that, I served 10 years in the Air Force before receiving my degree in Human Factors in Aviation from the University of Illinois. I recently retired after nearly 25 years in the air as an international jet captain with private corporations. While my career with Mattoon CUSD#2 has only just begun, my loyalties run deep as my wife, Hannah, is an elementary teacher in the district and my children, Izzy and Charlee, attend Mattoon schools as well. As someone who went about my educational and career path in a completely non-traditional manner, I am excited for the opportunities LIFT will create for area students. I feel strongly that education should not be limited to learning facts, but rather in training the mind to think.

Dan Compton  

   HVAC & Green Energy Facilitator

LIFT Student Success Stories & Outcomes

97% of LIFT high school graduates are enrolling in postsecondary education, advanced training, military, apprenticeships, or employed in the year following graduation.

260 Certifications & Credentials earned in just one year. LIFT students gain technical skills, earn industry credentials, and earn college credits.

137 occurrences of students participating in active leadership opportunities. LIFT students develop as leaders within their chosen fields.

305 service projects were completed in the 2022-23 school year. LIFT students make an impact in our school & throughout the region.

Meet Logan, HVAC Student at LIFT

Meet Logan (pictured left in the photo), a 2022-2023 LIFT student & Mattoon Community Unit School District 2 graduate who took the HVAC & Electric Vehicle Pathway.

Logan wasn't quite sure what he wanted to do after graduation, until speaking with Hydro-Gear. He meet with them, interviewed for a full-time Apprenticeship as an Industrial Maintenance Technician, tested, and got the position! Not only will he be working full-time, Hydro-Gear will also send him to Lake Land College for his Industrial Maintenance Certification, getting a raise once he finishes!

A representative from the company stated, "Hydro-Gear is excited to have a partner in education like LIFT. We, in the industry, have seen a huge gap in the region for sometime regarding skilled labor and young people who are interested in working in a trade or in hands-on technical fields. The idea that now we have a Regional Education Center that can provide candidates with real skills and training directly out of high school is very exciting."

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