HVAC professionals have a bright future ahead of them. Indeed, between now and 2026, the number of available positions in the industry is expected to increase by 15%.
This field is expanding substantially quicker than other fields in the United States. If job stability is essential to you, this is an excellent profession to pursue. Just search for an HVAC school near me on the internet.
1. Get Your High School Diploma First (or Equivalent)
A high school diploma or GED is necessary for most areas (including California) before you will start working in this field.
If you’re still in high school, you will choose to concentrate on classes that cover topics essential to HVAC specialists. These are some examples of such courses:
- Computer science
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Classes in the store (woodshop, metal shop, etc.)
Take advantage of any vocational training offered by your high school.
Courses like blueprint reading, technical math, and mechanical drawing would be highly advantageous. All of these seminars will give you the skills you’ll need to work on HVAC systems every day.
2. Obtain an HVAC Certificate
To receive an HVAC certificate, you’ll need to take some more coursework once you’ve earned your high school diploma or GED.
True, federal law does not require a certificate before working on HVAC systems. However, several states (including California) have their education and training regulations.
As a result, most individuals decide that pursuing a credential is the best option, regardless of their state’s restrictions.
An HVAC certificate program will be completed in less than a year (about nine months). You will gain several technical skills while enrolled in the program, including:
- Training in diagnostics
- What is the best way to utilize testing equipment and tools?
- Mechanics, electronics, and electrical principles
These classes will teach you all you need to know to succeed as a technician.
3. Complete a Training Program
You may choose to explore an apprenticeship once you’ve finished your HVAC certificate program.
You will acquire on-the-job training and experience while completing an apprenticeship, allowing you to learn from other technicians. While an internship is not compulsory, it might be beneficial to obtain knowledge.
Employers are more inclined to recruit those who have completed an apprenticeship program. Apprenticeships usually are three to five years long. They often consist of a mix of education and on-the-job training.
Although some apprenticeships are unpaid, many of them include a stipend, allowing you to earn money while learning on the job.
4. Look into Certifications
One of the certificates you’ll get is the NATE Certification. Heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) technicians are certified by NATE, the nation’s most recognized nonprofit certification organization. NATE exams verify professional competency for service and installation workers by demonstrating a real-world working knowledge of HVACR systems. NATE collaborates with contractors, manufacturers, and HVAC distributors from all over the country to educate and train knowledgeable and experienced HVAC professionals.
Bypassing the NATE Ready to Work Certification, an HVAC Technician student has proven essential work knowledge and abilities in the areas of component identification, tools, measurements, electrical safety, general safety, and primary heat transfer for an entry-level technician. Just search HVAC education near me and call IHACI at (818) 551-1555.
