Suffolk County Community College’s (SCCC) Michael J. Grant Campus recently hosted a Science Career Fair inside the newly-built STEM Building. The fair provided an opportunity for students and industry leaders to gather, with a strong emphasis on the Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVAC/R) industry. Students were able to network with professionals as well as explore career paths, and got a firsthand look at what their futures might hold.
The event was organized by Professor James Leopard, an HVAC instructor who serves as the dedicated faculty advisor for the HVAC/R Club. Thanks to his efforts, students gained direct access to representatives of local employers in the field. These included Sid Harvey Industries of Garden City, Flanders HVAC from the Hampton Bays, Johnson Controls, the event’s sponsor, and Daikin Global of Lynbrook — a branch of Arista, the largest HVAC service company in the tri-state area.
“This is what our students need — real-world exposure,” said Professor Leopard, whoe works tirelessly to help his students find jobs in the industry, which is why he decided to lead the planning of this event.
For Joseph Castiglione, a student seeking employment opportunities, the event came at just the right time. “I heard about it through Professor Leopard,” Castiglione said. “I’m here to connect with employers and maybe find a job in the industry.”
Lucas Cruz, a first-year student, echoed that excitement. “I’m really looking for internship opportunities,” he said. Cruz is also President of the HVAC Club and a member of Grant Campus Student Government.
The fair also welcomed back alumnus Jake Chiodo, who returned to campus as a representative for Daikin. “This program gave me the skills I needed to start my career,” he said. “Now, I get to give back and help others find jobs in the field.”
Professor Mario Lucero, who has worked at Johnson Controls for 30 years and taught at SCCC for the last decade, also participated — representing Johnson Controls and supporting his students. Known for his deep experience and approachable teaching style, Lucero remains a favorite among HVAC students.
Several other students like Michell Kelley, expressed their appreciation. “I love Professor Leopard because he is very knowledgeable and because of his hands-on approach,” Kelley said. Other students acknowledged the incredible opportunity available to them because of Professor Leopard.
SCCC’s HVAC/R program offers two main tracks: a part-time Basic HVAC Theory Certificate and a more comprehensive Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree. The certificate program is designed for those seeking quick entry into the workforce or looking to advance existing skills, while the A.A.S. provides an in-depth education including coursework in system design, diagnostics, controls, and commercial systems — combined with real-world internships.
The A.A.S. program prepares students not just for employment, but for leadership in a field expected to grow significantly in the coming years. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for HVAC/R technicians is projected to outpace many other service-related industries due to ongoing technological advancements and the growing need for energy-efficient climate control systems.
Throughout the evening, the building buzzed with conversation, handshakes, exchanges of business cards, and students left with fresh inspiration — and perhaps, the beginnings of their professional journeys.
For Professor Leopard, “It’s all about finding jobs for our HVAC students.”
