| As skilled HVAC technicians begin to retire, the | | | | In order to become certificated in HVAC, an |
| demand for new technicians continues to grow. Over | | | | apprenticeship of one to five years is normally |
| the next few years, the HVAC field is expected to | | | | required, depending on the state or locality in which |
| rapidly grow. While those specializing in installation | | | | the student plans to work. This apprenticeship |
| may currently struggle to find employment (until the | | | | provides the new technician with on the job learning |
| number of new constructions increase), individuals | | | | as well as opportunities to demonstrate that their |
| specializing in HVAC maintenance and repair work | | | | skills are up to par. |
| should see definite job stability. | | | | Many HVAC courses, even those provided online, |
| In order for new or potential technicians to see the | | | | have prerequisites that the student must complete |
| benefit in this growth, they must obtain the | | | | before being permitted to take the course. For |
| appropriate HVAC training and education. Those who | | | | instance, before taking a course on installation of |
| have completed HVAC courses and obtained | | | | piping materials used in plumbing and/or HVAC |
| certification are well positioned to benefit from the | | | | systems, the student may need to complete a class |
| need for technicians. In order to become certified in | | | | on Construction Industry Standards. Prerequisite |
| this field, one must enroll in and successfully complete | | | | requirements can be checked by looking through the |
| HVAC classes. There are a number of ways in which | | | | admissions booklet or online schedule of courses for |
| to obtain the educational requirements for this field. | | | | the school the student plans to attend. |
| Many colleges, universities and trade schools offer | | | | Courses can also be taken if a student or new |
| training in heating, air-conditioning and refrigeration. | | | | technician plans to specialize in one or more areas. |
| There are also opportunities to complete HVAC | | | | Refrigeration is one specialty that many new |
| training online that provide students with the ability to | | | | technicians choose and certification is achieved after |
| study heating and air-conditioning courses at their | | | | successful completion of specific classes and the |
| own pace and in the comfort of their own homes. | | | | passing of the certification examination. |
| Online training has quickly become one of the most | | | | Given the amount of time it takes to prepare for a |
| popular ways for students to obtain their higher | | | | career in the HVAC industry, the job prospects for |
| education goals. | | | | this field are excellent. Even those who are required |
| HVAC classes typically include the basics of | | | | to work in apprenticeships are virtually guaranteed |
| refrigeration, components, recycling and evacuation, | | | | employment after successful completion of the |
| as well as resistance, current, power and voltage in | | | | required HVAC classes. Those who work in |
| AC and DC circuits. Computations of series, parallel | | | | apprenticeships typically begin their careers by |
| circuits, troubleshooting and circuit analysis are also | | | | assisting certified technicians, giving them the |
| studied in order to prepare students for a career in | | | | experience that they need to advance their own |
| this field. | | | | careers in the future. |