Volusia County High School HVAC Technology Graduates Celebrate 2026 Class

Many of the 50+ graduates of the 2026 Volusia County High School HVAC Academy program gathered at Pine Ridge High School at the close of the school year to celebrate the successful completion of their HVAC technology training and prepare for the next step in their careers.

The celebration brought together graduates, HVAC contractors, Volusia County School Board representatives, distributor partners, family members, and friends to recognize the students’ accomplishments and the growing importance of workforce development within the HVAC industry.

The evening featured pizza, networking opportunities between graduates and prospective employers, and a pair of technical skills challenges presented by HVAC Academy Director and Pine Ridge High School HVAC Instructor Leland Wilbert, giving students one last opportunity to demonstrate the knowledge and confidence they developed throughout the program.

Addressing the graduates, Wilbert congratulated the class while recognizing the many businesses and community partners that have supported the academy’s success.

“Good job for showing up today, good job for showing up for the last four years. You guys have been a great class. The passion you bring is awesome to be a part of. I want to thank all our sponsors and the community because without them, I couldn’t do what I do. Those of us that have built businesses in the industry want to ensure that it continues to be successful, and you’re a big part of that.”

The evening concluded with graduates receiving professional tools, gauges, and other HVAC equipment to help launch their careers in the industry.

Pine Ridge High School continues to set the standard for HVAC workforce education. The school was the first in the nation to earn HVAC Excellence Certification through the ESCO Institute. During the past four years, more than 400 students have earned ESCO Institute Employment Ready certifications in Air Conditioning, Electrical, or Heat Pump technologies, creating a strong pipeline of trained entry-level technicians for Florida’s HVAC industry.

Congratulations to the Class of 2026 and best wishes as they begin their careers serving the industry’s growing demand for skilled professionals.

To view and download photos from the graduation celebration, visit ACprosite.com/photos and search “2026 06 Volusia County HVAC Academy Celebration”.