For Levi Cartwright, a second-year HVAC student at Central Tech and a student at Bristow High School, summer break was an opportunity to gain experience and explore new career paths. Cartwright spent the summer working as a commercial HVAC installer for KMS Heat and Air in Tulsa, where he learned firsthand how commercial systems differ from the residential work he studies in class. "It's a really good learning experience for me, especially because we learn residential here," Cartwright said. "That opens up opportunities for what I can do outside of Central Tech."

The opportunity began when KMS Heat and Air CEO Jerry Fairchild visited Central Tech's Sapulpa campus to conduct mock interviews with HVAC students. What started as a classroom connection turned into a valuable job-site experience. Through the summer, Cartwright worked alongside industry professionals and gained a broader understanding of the HVAC field. His biggest takeaway was simple but important. "Just be prepared for anything," he said.

Cartwright said the HVAC industry offers strong career opportunities and multiple paths for growth, which is one of the main reasons he chose the program. "The first thing I would say is they will always have a job, for sure," Cartwright said when asked what he would tell students considering HVAC training. "The reason I took it is because there are so many opportunities. Within a couple of years of graduating from Central Tech, I can start my own company and grow from there."

As he prepares the next step in his career, Cartwright credits much of his success to the support and guidance he has received from his instructor, Mark Smith. "Mr. Smith has been one of the biggest mentors I've had inside and outside of school," Cartwright said. "At work, everybody asks where I learned from, and I tell them it's Mr. Smith."

Through classroom instruction, industry connections, and hands-on experience, Cartwright is building the skills and confidence needed to succeed in a high-demand field. His story is a reminder that jobs start here, and the opportunities students find at Central Tech can open doors long before graduation.