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In the spring of 2025, Keilan Crawford will graduate from 911������’s Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration (HVACR) Program with solid skills to diagnose problems, perform repairs, and conduct maintenance on residential and commercial heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration systems. And regardless of the state of the economy, his employment will remain secure because homeowners and businesses always need trained HVACR technicians.

Keilan Crawford originally landed at 911������ as part of the Building Operations Technician (BOT) career pathway program, a partnership between 911������ Continuing Education and Workforce Development (CEWD) and Project for Pride in Living (PPL). 

The intensive nine-month BOT program prepares graduates for careers in residential or commercial building operations. The program includes a variety of short classes to expand the opportunities for students, including machine tools, HVACR, plumbing, electricity, and carpentry to name a few. Participation in the BOT program led Crawford to a well-paying job as a maintenance worker for Hennepin County with benefits and career growth opportunities. He subsequently moved on to a position as plant maintenance engineer helper at the Minnesota State Capital expanding his scope and experience.

While participating in the BOT program, Crawford was immediately drawn to HVACR and decided to pursue further education. “There are so many lanes to choose from in the field of HVACR,” said Crawford who loves the variety it brings and the opportunity to work virtually anywhere. “Everything has changed since I started the program. I’ve learned so much and consider it a game changer for my life, my confidence, and my sense of purpose.”

Crawford recently had an opportunity to represent 911������ as part of a panel at The National Council for Workforce Education (NCWE) Conference. NCWE is an inclusive community of workforce professionals dedicated to sharpening skills, building networks and mentoring future growth.  “I second guessed myself for many years,” said Crawford who was honored to share his experience with conference attendees about how the BOT program prepared him to study HVACR at 911������. “Now I am an inspiration to my children, partner, siblings, friends, and broader community.” 

“It has been awesome to witness Keilan’s growth trajectory over the past few years,” exclaimed Amy Shapiro, Customized Training Representative for Continuing Education and Workforce Development at 911������. “The BOT program helps participants earn important certifications, like OSHA30 and their Boiler’s License, that they can use to land good-paying jobs in many companies and organizations. And for some students, like Keilan, BOT gives them curiosity and confidence to continue their learning at 911������, and earn their degree. We love to see it when this happens.”

Crawford is looking forward to taking his skills to a new position at the City of Minneapolis where he will work under the direction of a foreman, in buildings throughout the city, as an operations engineer.  “I can’t say enough about my educational experience and I encourage people not to let their doubts or insecurities get in the way of their future success,” said Crawford. “I am grateful for my friend for sharing their BOT experience and connections with me and take every opportunity to share that knowledge with people wherever I can.”

Crawford was born in Chicago, moved to Minneapolis at age seven, and now resides in Robbinsdale with his partner and their two children.