HVAC Graduate Story

Michael Marlow Jr., a 2004 graduate of Davidson County Community College’s Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning program, says he is enjoying his new work as a technician for Davidson Heating & Air of Lexington.

Marlow, who studied at DCCC with help from a $2,000 Excellence Alliance Foundation Scholarship, did not waste time deciding on a new career direction after he was laid off his furniture job in May 2003. A 1998 graduate of Central Davidson High School, he worked in shipping and receiving at Lexington Home Brands for five years before his job ended. He enrolled in DCCC’s one-year HVAC program in August 2003.

Marlow's scholarship was made possible through a gift established by Mike and Trip Beaver, owners of Beaver Brothers Heating and Air Conditioning in Salisbury. Marlow’s top-notch classroom performance and positive attitude helped him get the scholarship as well as several job offers before he graduated, according to his DCCC instructor.

HVAC Instructor Bruce Bowman described Marlow as an excellent student and a fine role model for his classmates. “He attended all classes, was on time and prepared to participate. He was willing to go the extra mile to see a job through, and more importantly, he took pride in his work. The HVAC industry is in excellent hands with professional newcomers such as Michael Marlow working in our field.”

Many other furniture and textile workers enroll in the HVAC program because they get preparation for a well-paying job in only one year, Bowman said. “It is an industry that continually needs technicians. The beauty is that students may go beyond the one-year HVAC diploma to earn a two-year degree in General Occupational Technology.”

For more information, contact Bowman at 249-8186, ext. 6103.