Students in Laney College’s Environmental Control Technology (ECT) program had a unique opportunity this semester to explore one of San Francisco’s most iconic venues from the perspective of its HVAC engineers. Sponsored by Johnson Controls and organized in partnership with Local 39, the field trip to Davies Symphony Hall offered students a rare, behind-the-scenes look at large-scale commercial HVAC systems in action.
Led by the Symphony Hall’s on-site engineering team, the tour guided students through massive mechanical rooms, control centers, and energy systems that keep the building running efficiently for world-class performances and thousands of audience members each year.
Sappho Su, Department Chair of Laney’s ECT program, helped coordinate the experience to align with students' coursework. The visit allowed students to make direct connections between classroom learning and real-world applications in a landmark facility.
For many students, the trip was not just educational—it was unforgettable.
Laney College’s ECT program is known for providing hands-on training with industry-standard equipment, preparing students for careers in heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and building automation. Field trips like this one give students a real-world view of the systems they’ll one day help design, install, and maintain.
Thanks to the generosity of Johnson Controls, and the collaboration with Local 39, this field experience added an invaluable layer of professional insight and inspiration for Laney’s future HVAC professionals.
For more information about the Environmental Control Technology program at Laney College, visit laney.edu/ect.