The employment market for certified HVAC technicians is expected to grow faster than average. According to the Department of Labor this job market will grow by over 30% over the next few years. The job market will offer opportunities for those with the HVAC training from certified technical schools or with formal apprenticeships. Receiving HVAC certification through one of the many institutions is highly recommended by employers and will only increase a technician’s advancement opportunities.
| The United States population is growing; this means the demand for residential, commercial, and industrial climate-control systems is also growing. The increased complexity of HVAC systems, increasing the possibility that equipment may not function properly, also will create opportunities for more service technicians. Maintenance and repair work will remain constant. People and businesses must be able to depend on their HVAC systems to stay in working order, regardless of economic conditions.To keep up with this growing demand for systems requires that more HVAC technicians are trained. There are different training programs available for those people interested in entering this field.It’s of utmost importance for a student to complete his/her HVAC training from an accredited training school as it’s the basic requirement of almost all the HVAC companies at time of hiring employees for their firm. So, it can be said that a future HVAC technician must fulfill the educational standards set by HVAC industry itself. To know whether an HVAC training program provided by a training school is accredited or not, the student needs to check whether the program has been approved by the National Center for Construction Education and Research, HVAC Excellence or the Partnership for Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration. |
Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning (HVAC) Schools
| Types of HVAC Training Programs HVAC training consists of classroom lectures and hands-on training designed to teach students how to maintain, repair and diagnose HVAC equipment. With technological advances rapidly changing the industry, formal HVAC training is becoming more in demand and a necessity. |
There are several ways to receive HVAC training. The most common are:
Degree Programs
As an HVAC technician, an HVAC degree program can help you gain the skills needed for installing and maintaining heating, ventilating, air conditioning and other temperature control systems. The associate’s degree is usually a two year program, but you can get a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree in HVAC.
Advances in technology and new environmental regulations have caused the HVAC job description to change and expand in recent years. By earning your HVAC degree, you can take the first important step to becoming a successful HVAC technician. The following is a list of HVAC degree programs look for the one right for you.
Diploma Programs
With an HVAC diploma from an accredited education program, you will be ready to enter the exciting field of HVAC technology. You will learn the ins and outs of installing, repairing and maintaining different temperature control systems.
There are several excellent HVAC diploma programs available. Take some time to explore different options and discover which education program is right for you. Review this list to learn about HVAC diplomas.
Certification
By earning an HVAC certificate, you can become a qualified HVAC technician capable of installing and repairing heating, ventilation, air conditioning and other temperature control systems. Earning an HVAC certificate involves completing courses designed to teach you about all areas of the HVAC industry. You will learn the basics of not only installing, but also maintaining and repairing different HVAC systems.
Review the list of some of the HVAC certificate programs available and learn more about how to earn your HVAC certificate.
Types of Certification
It is always best to go to a community college or a specialized HVAC training school as most of these schools offer online training or a combination of both. Some of the highly rated schools which provide Accredited HVAC training are Lincoln Technical Institute, WyoTech, Everest Institute and American School of Technology.
So be sure to check to see, if the school has a renowned accreditation or not, you should know if the program is accredited by the National Center for Construction Education and Research, HVAC Excellence and the Partnership for Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration or not. In case the school has affiliation with any of these, it can be trusted. Most of the community colleges have the accreditation from these centers which make them more trustworthy.
.HVAC Training Programs /Schools:
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Online HVAC Training Programs
Recently online HVAC training has become popular for students who want a career in HVAC installation, maintenance or sales field. These courses check the understanding of the students about the HVAC industry and give them an idea about the areas where they lack skill or knowledge. Online training can prove to be helpful for the students interested in enriching their knowledge in HVAC systems. The best part is that some online HVAC training programs are specifically designed for HVAC technician who desire to receive instant certification without taking any training program
Students leaning towards online HVAC technician training like the convenience of setting their own schedules. Online training proves to be most helpful to those who are already a full time employee of the HVAC industry. Working people get a chance to upgrade their knowledge to keep themselves in pace with the latest advancements and may be able to get certification. The minimum length of these programs is 10 hours and the maximum can be up to 2 weeks. The limitation of this program is that it stresses more on the theoretical aspect of HVAC industry. These programs allow the student to complete the required practical trainings from their working sites subsequently with their employment. The student can take the NATE and EPA certification exams that are when they complete the program.
Other than HVAC schooling, one can also choose to get apprenticeship in HVAC which takes a longer duration to complete. The duration of the apprenticeships generally takes from 2 to 5 years in most of the HVAC organizations. For getting an apprenticeship in HVAC system designs, one can join some of the renowned associations like Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors National Association, Mechanical Contractors Association of America.
Summary
As different states follow different laws, so it’s necessary to read all the certification details before enrolling in any program. It is always better to do a thorough search on the state laws about the programs before choosing one.
It is not mandatory for every person working in HVAC industry to be certified but, if a person wants to become a HVAC technician or mechanic, it’s certainly required. Apart from being trained on heating, vents and air conditioning units, people with HVAC certification also have the qualification to work in the refrigeration field. They can gain expertise in large-scale projects like commercial refrigeration units. The primary requirement for becoming a certified HVAC technician is that the person should attend classes and should have cleared a state-mandated certification test.
Do your research on schools and talk with students and graduates of these schools before paying admission fees. Also speak with potential employers and get their opinions about schools and training. Ask about job placement assistance, real world wages and tools needed. Interview people who are doing what you would like to do, and ask how they got their training, and what they advise.