Turning Up the Heat: CCC’s HVAC Program Enters a New Era
Matthew Pasley began his journey in the HVAC field during high school in Kentucky. Although he had the option to graduate early, a school counselor suggested he take HVAC classes instead. He decided to spend his senior year learning about heating and cooling systems. Although he didn’t enter the profession immediately, he recognized that having a trade background provides a solid foundation for many career paths.
In 2010, Matthew moved to North Carolina and was working in a factory when he decided to revisit his HVAC training. He enrolled in night classes at Gaston College and earned his diploma in HVAC. Over the next decade, he built a strong foundation in the industry, working for two companies, including TRANE in Charlotte. His experience there involved gaining valuable skills in different mechanical systems, troubleshooting techniques, and programming.
Although the job at TRANE offered significant learning opportunities, it required extensive travel. Eventually, Matthew transitioned to Clearwater Paper (now Sofidel). While working there, he enrolled at CCC and earned his Associate in Applied Science in Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Technology. At CCC, he met Russ Hamilton and learned about his upcoming retirement. After careful consideration, Matthew applied for the teaching role and was ultimately hired.
Bringing Real-World Knowledge to the Classroom
For Matthew, teaching is more than a job; it’s a chance to share his love for learning and problem-solving.
“Understanding how HVAC systems work and why they function that way ultimately leads to effective troubleshooting,” he explains. “When you know how something should function, you can figure out how to fix it. I want to instill in my students the ability to break down complex issues.”
In addition to technical skills, Matthew aims to introduce students to the many career paths available in the HVAC industry.
“There are more opportunities than just being a technician,” he says. “HVAC can be a steppingstone to engineering, project management, and other advanced roles. People should consider the long-term possibilities.”
Matthew believes HVAC is an excellent field for those who are curious about how things work, love science, and are interested in real-world problem-solving.
“HVAC is making a significant impact in the world in many ways,” he says. “If you want to understand how things function, this is a great career path.”
With his extensive industry experience and passion for education, Matthew Pasley is poised to inspire the next generation of HVAC professionals at CCC.