Inside the Systems That Keep a Hospital Running - A Tour of Baptist Health

When it comes to HVAC and facility operations, there’s no better classroom than the real world. Our Skills to Launch HVAC students recently had the opportunity to step behind the scenes at Baptist Health Medical Center in Little Rock for an incredible industry tour led by Jake White and Mike Wallis.

From the moment our students arrived, early, eager, and full of curiosity, they were immersed in the inner workings of one of the most complex systems in Central Arkansas. Together, we navigated massive condensers, state-of-the-art electronic controls, and HVAC units on a scale that’s almost unimaginable.

Jake and Mike graciously shared their time and expertise, answering every question with patience and insight. They also introduced our students to Jay in General Maintenance, Kris in Carpentry, and August from Intelas in Biomedical and Clinical Engineering, professionals who help ensure the hospital runs safely and efficiently every day.

For students who have trained on HVAC systems in a lab, stepping into an environment where every system supports critical healthcare operations was truly eye-opening. The experience deepened their understanding of what it means to work in the trades and the responsibility that comes with maintaining facilities that serve our community.

We extend our sincere thanks to Baptist Health Medical Center in Little Rock, Jake White, Mike Wallis, and the entire facilities team for welcoming our students and continuing to inspire the next generation of skilled professionals.