Local business owner establishes first HVAC scholarship

A new scholarship is available for Durham Tech continuing education students who pursue heating, ventilation, and air conditioning courses (HVAC). 

Bobby Ferrel, owner of Durham-based heating and air company Green Horizon One Hour, created the College’s first HVAC scholarship last month in the name of his mentor and friend, Rick Etheridge. 

The award will provide $1,000 annually to students pursuing careers in HVAC through continuing education courses. 

Ferrel hired Etheridge in 2015 to train his young technicians to be the best. Etheridge had previously worked for more than 30 years for the City of Durham to make sure plumbing and HVAC jobs were up to code, including serving as the city’s Chief Mechanical Inspector for 15 years. 

Ferrel said Etheridge has brought the same level of commitment and excellence to Green Horizon One Hour and he hopes the new scholarship funds the next generation of Rick Etheridges. 

“I wanted our people held to the same high standards that Rick demanded as an inspector. His knowledge and skillset have been indispensable to me. There’s no one more passionate and willing to help an individual succeed in this business” said Ferrel, Green Horizon One Hour owner. 

Students who are interested in the scholarship can apply through the College’s annual scholarship cycle. For questions about the scholarship, contact Program Director Maryah Smith-Overman at smith-overmanm@durhamtech.edu. Learn more about Durham Tech Scholarships. 

Explore information about continuing education HVAC courses.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Desiree Towson, M.S.: Durham Tech Communications and Public Relations Coordinator at

allisontowsond@durhamtech.edu