Building Automation Training in Charlotte, NC
Charlotte is one of the fastest-growing cities in the Southeast. There's $3.7 billion in planned commercial development across the metro area. Every one of those new buildings - and most of the existing ones - runs on building automation systems. The people who install, program, and maintain those systems are in short supply. Stacks+Joules runs a free training program in Charlotte to change that.
A Stacks+Joules Program Built for Charlotte
Stacks+Joules brings its 14-week building automation training program to Charlotte, NC, run in partnership with Goodwill and led by Fran. It's the same model proven in New York City, adapted for the Charlotte market.
If you live in the Charlotte metro and want to learn a skilled trade with real employer demand behind it - this is the opportunity. The program is open to applicants of all ages.
The program is free. Completely free. Stacks+Joules is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. There's no tuition, no hidden fees, no income share agreements.
What You'll Learn
The Charlotte program covers the same comprehensive curriculum proven in Stacks+Joules' New York City program:
- Python programming - the language behind modern building automation platforms
- Niagara N4 - the industry-standard BAS integration framework
- HVAC and air handling - understanding the mechanical systems you'll be automating
- Low-voltage wiring and networking - the physical layer that connects everything
- LCA EE101 lighting controls certification - an industry credential included in the program
- EPA 608 refrigerant certification - a federal requirement for working with refrigerants
- Professional development - interview skills, workplace communication, career planning
After 14 weeks, graduates enter an onboarding pipeline with a BAS employer in the Charlotte area, followed by job placement support.
Why Charlotte Is the Right Market
Honeywell - one of the largest building automation manufacturers in the world - is headquartered in Charlotte. Trane Technologies has its North American headquarters in Davidson, NC, just north of the city. Siemens operates its CATCH training facility in the region.
That concentration of BAS manufacturers means Charlotte has a deeper bench of employer demand than most cities its size. Add to that the local contractors and integrators - McKenney's, Charlotte Temperature Controls, CMS Controls, and EMCOR Services - and you have a market that needs trained BAS technicians at every level.
Charlotte's Energy and Sustainability Push
Charlotte holds LEED Gold certification as a city - one of the few in the country. The Envision Charlotte initiative has been pushing commercial building efficiency in Uptown for years. Duke Energy runs efficiency programs that incentivize building owners to upgrade their automation systems.
What the Money Looks Like in Charlotte
The average HVAC technician in the Charlotte metro earns about $31 per hour - roughly $65,000 a year. Entry-level BAS positions start around $47,000. Senior BAS engineers and project managers earn $80,000 or more. Charlotte's cost of living is significantly lower than cities like New York, which means that salary goes further.
A Proven Model, Now in Charlotte
In New York City, where the program has been running longer, 92% of graduates are still with their employer after one year. That track record is what Stacks+Joules brings to Charlotte.
Apply to the Charlotte Program
It's free. It ends with an onboarding pipeline at a BAS employer in the Charlotte area. Apply through our partner Goodwill.
