THALES ACADEMY TO OFFER "HVAC BY CAPTIVEAIRE" HVAC TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION ELECTIVE COURSE FOR HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS

RALEIGH, N.C., Sept. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Thales Academy, the network of K–12 classical schools located in North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia, is adding a new "HVAC by CaptiveAire" HVAC technician certification course for high school seniors through its Luddy Institute of Technology (LIT) pre-engineering elective program. Designed in partnership with Bill Griffin, PE, President of Engineering and Manufacturing at CaptiveAire^® (Thales Academy founder, Bob Luddy's commercial ventilation company), this new program aims to offer students an immediate pathway into an in-demand career upon graduation, with all requirements completed during a daily 50-minute twelfth-grade elective class taken both semesters.

"I am thrilled to see this valuable vocational certification opportunity available through our Thales Academy high school program," says Bob Luddy, Founder & Chairman, Thales Academy, and Founder & President, CaptiveAire Systems. "Our students are smart, capable, and responsible, and to be able to kick off a lucrative and rewarding career right out of high school is a great gift to many who prefer to avoid the higher education debt trap and start their careers immediately."

Students who successfully complete the program will graduate from high school with the following accolades: A factory HVAC tech fundamentals credential, comparable to an associate's degree from a community college; certification as a CaptiveAire Paragon HVAC Factory Certified Technician; EPA 608 Certificates (Core, Type II, and optionally, Universal); OSHA 10 Certification, as well as the opportunity to travel to CaptiveAire's Research & Development Headquarters to interview with the President of Engineering and Manufacturing.

Students in the HVAC by CaptiveAire course will learn about and master HVAC design, practice professional skills related to the career, and prepare for and complete necessary certification exams/paperwork. They will also receive exposure to various fields of engineering, including mechanical, manufacturing, chemical, aerospace, and electrical engineering. Topics covered in the course include: psychrometrics; load calculations; duct design and manufacturing; electrical schematics; installation; troubleshooting and repair; brazing with the CaptiveAire Brazing Academy in Youngsville, NC; professional conduct; driver safety (defensive driving course with BRAKES); and more. Students in the course also will receive mentorship from and immediate access to CaptiveAire's nationwide network of engineers and technicians as well as a guaranteed interview with CaptiveAire for a technician apprenticeship.

"The Luddy Institute of Technology at Thales Academy is a strong high school pre-engineering program, and I was honored to help design this course to equip future engineers with advanced knowledge and skills, facilitate immediate job options, and provide a rich, apprenticeship-level outcome for these students," explains Bill Griffin, PE, President of Engineering and Manufacturing at CaptiveAire, and lead curriculum consultant on the HVAC at CaptiveAire course at Thales Academy.

"We are excited about offering students a career option directly out of high school (and a potential source of income to fund higher education or other goals as desired) as well as a strong foundation of knowledge, hands-on experience, and certifications for future engineers," states Kim Tully, Luddy Institute of Technology and Industrial Arts Lead at Thales Academy.

Tully continues, "HVAC & Refrigeration Technician was recently listed #6 on Indeed's Top 10 Most In-Demand Jobs (June 2026), citing a $77,728 median salary, and news of a nationwide HVAC Technician shortage this year adds job security to those in or entering the field, so this is a fantastic opportunity for our students."

Interested families can learn more about Thales Academy, schedule a visit, and apply online at: www.ThalesAcademy.org.

About Thales Academy

Thales Academy is a K–12 network of classical schools that assists parents in cultivating virtuous, critical thinking, compassionate individuals and seeks to deliver the highest quality education at the lowest cost to parents and the community. Thales Academy fosters high standards of accountability, academic achievement, life skills, and civic responsibility through the use of an educational program rooted in Direct Instruction (K–5) and classical curriculum (6–12), with an emphasis on character development and practical skills development across all grades. This comprehensive curriculum creates a firm foundation for Thales Academy graduates to embody our Top 15 Outcomes and achieve success in various professions, continued studies at top colleges and universities, and other future endeavors. www.ThalesAcademy.org

About CaptiveAire^®

CaptiveAire is on a mission—Fresh air everywhere. CaptiveAire's Paragon HVAC delivers the best of the great outdoors indoors—up to 100% outdoor air—fresh, filtered, and dehumidified. Built on decades of learning as the nation's leader in kitchen ventilation systems, CaptiveAire is transforming HVAC. CaptiveAire's one system, one source solution to HVAC maximizes comfort, health, safety, efficiency, and price. With 2,100+ employees, 125+ North American sales and engineering offices, 6 U.S. manufacturing plants, and nationwide service team, CaptiveAire remains committed to continuous innovation and superior service. www.CaptiveAire.com

SOURCE Thales Academy