You might have heard that the trades are a good way to go. Not only can you avoid the expensive college debt of your peers, but you can get started making money right away. Rather than being stuck in an office working overtime, you can have the satisfaction of solving problems that have an immediate impact on people’s life and being well-paid for it. One particular trade that is worth considering is the HVAC industry.
What is HVAC?
HVAC technicians work on heating, cooling, and air conditioning for both homes and business. Many HVAC techs work for a general contractor on installing HVAC systems while a house is being built. Other technicians work for an HVAC company that provides maintenance or repair for commercial or home HVAC systems. You can specialize in one area, for example, hot water heating or you can generalize and get to know everything about HVAC.
Why Should I Become an HVAC Technician?
There are a lot of great advantages to going into the HVAC industry as a technician.
- There will always be a demand for your work. People want to stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer. If there is a particularly hot summer or cold winter, you will be even more in demand.
- Job growth looks pretty good, and is expected to grow 14% by 2024.
- A career in the HVAC industry is scalable. The knowledge you learn on the job could lead you to becoming a partner or starting your own HVAC business.
- You can start working soon. With as little as a certificate or associate’s degree from a community college, you could be on your way to earning money as an HVAC technician.
- Be active. If you are someone who likes to move around, take things apart and put them back together, this is the right job for you.
What Does it Take to Starting Working as an HVAC Technician?
- Although some companies may provide on-the-job training, most HVAC companies prefer someone who has received a certificate or associate’s degree from a trade school or community college.
- Some employers may require the completion of an apprenticeship as well. An apprenticeship is on the job training that lasts for three to five years and is usually paid. This is a great chance to fine tune your skills that you learned previously and learn where to specialize in. It’s often the case that the employer you did your apprenticeship under will hire you after completion.
- At the end of your apprenticeship, you may have to apply for a state license that involves a written test.
- If you work with refrigerants, you may also have to pass the EPA test as well.
If you like problem solving, being out on the field in your job, and having reliable work all year round, consider a career in the HVAC industry. Click here to find a program near you!
Sources: https://www.thebalancecareers.com/hvac-technician-525980, https://hvaccareernow.com/blog/5-great-reasons-to-choose-hvac, https://careerschoolnow.org/careers/heating-venting-and-air-conditioning