Some possible jobs within this career area are:
If you select a career training program, you’ll receive education as well as certification, or preparation for a certification exam. Depending on the career path you select, you might need a state, county or city license to practice. Cosmetologists, for example, must keep their license active, just like massage therapists or other fields. You also could benefit by occasionally returning to training to stay abreast of new technologies, techniques and skills. This is particularly true for air conditioning technicians, electricians and construction workers.
Skilled trades are always going to be in demand. Some fields are in consistent growth or flux, particularly those areas that are tied toward technology. For example, the increased interest in solar energy means that solar workers are going to be in demand, and existing workers will need training on incorporating solar technology into their daily lives. Many workers in these fields are self-employed or work on contract. Because of this, it’s recommended that you join unions or other professional associations so you can stay up to date on trends, laws and development in the industry.
Skilled tradesmen can get their certification or license in as little as six months, or as long as a year. Many programs last between six months and a year – be sure to ask your chosen school how long the program can take, and whether they offer a job placement or referral service.
How to Become an HVAC Technician
A HVAC career will enable you to install, repair, and maintain heating, ventilation, air conditioning, heat pumps, and refrigeration units in homes and businesses. Although HVAC technicians are trained in all areas of the field, often a technician will become an expert in a specific area and concentrate their business on heating, air conditioning, or refrigeration; many also specialize in one aspect of the field such as maintenance, installation, or repair.
HVAC technicians sometimes learn their trade in a trade school, technical school, or community college program that range from six months to two years in duration; they then require the same amount of on-the-job experience before they are proficient in the profession. Others may choose to enroll in a formal apprenticeship program, which combines paid on-the-job training with classroom education. A HVAC apprenticeship program will last from three to five years. In either training program the student will take classes on subjects such as blueprint reading, the regulations and legislation concerning the trade, safety practices, and the design and theory of heating, air conditioning, refrigeration, and ventilation systems. Newer specialty areas in the field are solar and wind powered systems, and classes pertaining to these areas may also be included.
Some states require HVAC technicians to take a test and become licensed; refrigeration coolant testing must also be attained. To have a successful HVAC career one should consider taking advanced exams from an industry organization such as the Refrigeration Service Engineers Society.
HVAC Salaries
Because the industry projects a 28 percent job growth in the next decade, HVAC technician salaries are growing. According to The Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2009 the median HVAC technician salary was $41,100; many in the HVAC career fields made much more. HVAC technicians in the following industries made these salaries in 2009:
- Motor Vehicle Manufacturing $66,220
- Electric Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution $62,470
- Navigational, Measuring, and Electro medical, Manufacturing $60,510
- Motor Vehicle Parts Manufacturing $59,470
(Salary data retrieved 6/27/11)
To get the education you need to become an HVAC technician, find a degree program now!