SUNY Canton Trades Programs Receive Record Applications for Fall 2026

Students expecting to enroll in career-driven programs should pay their deposits early to secure their spots.

SUNY Canton is experiencing a massive influx of applications in the Automotive Technology and Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) trades programs for Fall 2026.

Automotive Technology has 136 applications, which is a 56% increase from a similar timeframe last year. The HVAC Trades program, which currently has 99 applications, is up 65% from the previous year. Both programs had less than 30 students at the start of the fall 2025 semester. College records indicate that the explosive growth is a 10-year application record for the programs.

SUNY Canton’s Canino School of Engineering Technology Dean Michael Newtown indicated that the school would be expanding to accommodate the influx of students.

“We currently have open searches for lecturer positions in Automotive and HVAC,” Newtown said. “In addition to expanding faculty positions, we are actively encouraging students to pay their deposits immediately to secure their spots in any of our trades programs.”

Both Automotive and HVAC are offered as two-year Associate of Occupational Studies programs designed to prepare students for immediate entry into the workforce. Skilled trades are experiencing high employer demand.

HVAC Lecturer Jay Simmons noted that the career-driven nature of the associate degree programs is attractive to students who are seeking a skills-focused technical education. “These programs are best for students who learn by doing,” Simmons said. “Our faculty members are the same way, so we emphasize skills-focused projects.”

Automotive Technology Lecturer Michael Barney, who graduated from the program in 2005, said he has been actively recruiting from area vocational programs. “It’s obvious that the trades are very in-demand,” he said. “There are ample job opportunities available after graduation.”

The program offers extended learning opportunities for students through Subaru and General Motors to further prepare students for employment. The college also recently announced that it would be offering a no-cost automotive service technician pre-apprenticeship program through the Center for Workforce, Community and Industry Partnerships.

Like the two associate degrees, the one-year Electrical Construction & Maintenance certificate program has received 79 applications, a 93% increase over last year’s total applications. 

“We’ve heard that the incoming generation is embracing trades programs that provide real skills and opportunity,” said Director of Admissions Melissa Evans. “SUNY Canton is the smart choice for students who want to enter careers where their skills are immediately applicable and valued.”