Students in McHenry County College’s (MCC) Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) program recently had a unique opportunity to see their classroom learning in action during a tour of a Motorola facility. Led by adjunct faculty member Adriano De Matteo, the visit offered students a firsthand look at how complex, multi-story commercial HVAC systems are designed, installed, and maintained.
The tour gave students a look at large-scale commercial equipment and engineering, offering a perspective that goes beyond traditional classroom instruction. From massive chillers and boilers to state-of-the-art data centers and advanced control software, the experience highlighted the scope and complexity of commercial HVAC work.
“The field trip was mind-blowing,” said one student. “I never thought that what we learned in residential could be applied to industrial-sized buildings. The engineering on that building was like art.”
Another student shared, “The complete size difference was awe-inspiring. Seeing the chillers and recovery tanks up close was amazing.”
For De Matteo, the trip underscored MCC’s commitment to hands-on learning and preparing students for real-world careers.
“The event was a great success,” he said. “I believe it’s an event they’ll carry with them for a long time.”