A senior at Cuyahoga Heights High School (CHHS), Anthony Kondash is thriving in the Cuyahoga Valley Career Center’s Heating & Air Conditioning program. Kondash was selected as a featured student for CVCC’s Student Connection for September
Choosing to attend CVCC was an easy decision, says Kondash, because he’s always enjoyed working with his hands and knew a hands-on learning environment would be a great fit for him. He was drawn to Heating & Air Conditioning because of its wide-ranging content and strong job prospects. “HVAC offered a little bit of everything, so I figured, ‘Why not give it a try?’” he said.
“Anthony is an outstanding student with excellent attendance. He’s a positive role model, and I can’t wait to see what he accomplishes next,” said his instructor, Matt Schoeffler. Kodansh is currently participating in the apprentice program with Pipefitters Local 120. After graduation, he’ll continue working through this program at Smith & Oby Co., mechanical contractors, and is on track to earn his journeyman’s license – a certificate of completion for an apprenticeship approved by the State of Ohio or the U.S. Department of Labor. Looking further ahead, Anthony hopes to one day become a supervisor or plan designer in the HVAC field.
“If I hadn’t come to CVCC, I’d probably be on the traditional path to college. I definitely wouldn’t be doing HVAC,” Anthony reflected. “But I’m so glad I took the chance, because I fell in love with the trade, and now it’s what I see myself doing as a career.”
Anthony credits CVCC for giving him valuable real-world experience through its work-based learning opportunities, which have been his favorite part of the program. He said that being able to work while earning school credit has made a big impact on his education and career path.
In addition to his academic and career pursuits, Anthony stays active outside the classroom. He plays varsity football for CHHS and is a member of the National Technical Honor Society at CVCC. His advice to students considering CVCC? “Give it a try – attending CVCC can only help you.”