HVAC Training - How To Become A Qualified HVAC Technician

To work as a HVAC technician, you first need to undergo formal HVAC training as required by your local area. You can choose to get formal training through trade and technical schools, through online courses, as well as formal apprenticeships. You can also get training through the Armed Forces.

Trade Schools

The traditional way of getting training at vocational and trade schools will take around 6 months to 2 years to complete.. Skills you will be trained in include topics involving air-conditioning and heating, for example - refrigeration, temperature control, humidity control, and air quality. You will also be trained in other fields such as blueprint reading, drawing, electronics, design and construction, as well as installation and repair.. It is worth noting that completion of relavent high school subjects is also helpful in acquiring HVAC training; for example - applied physics, electronics, math, chemistry.

You should always do your due diligence by checking your school's accreditation before enrolling. You need to make sure that the school's training program meets academic standards set by your local HVAC bodies and organizations. The reason for this is to ensure the quality of your HVAC training, as well as to open doors to official certification in the future. Once you finish your training at a vocational school - you will still need a year or two of on-the-job experience before employers consider you as proficient.

Formal Apprenticeship

Instead of going to school, others choose to get training through a formal apprenticeship. Apprenticeships can take between 2 to 5 years to complete, and combine paid hands-on training and classwork. In-class subjects taught include OH&S, blueprint reading and drawing, and the theory and design of heating, air-conditioning, ventilation, and refrigeration systems.

You may need to have a high school diploma or equivalent to apply for a formal apprenticeship. If you cannot meet this requirement - you may need to choose another option for HVAC training. There are major advantages to becoming an apprentice, as opposed to going to a trade school; you get paid, and you will be considered a proficient technician upon completion. Apprenticeships programs are also pathways to official certification.

Online Courses

If neither of these options suit you, you can consider getting HVAC training online. The advantages of this path are that you can complete your education at your own pace, from the comfort of your own home. The obvious downside is that you receive no hands on experience - although most online schools employ advanced training software and computer simulations to make up for it.

Again, when looking for a suitable online school or course, it is important to ensure that the school is well respected and has a good reputation. You can do this by checking their credentials, and researching their past history, as well as reading some reviews. If possible, you should also do some research about their training software - many schools use some great intuitive teaching tools, but some are still using outdated software. Most schools will help you find employment opportunities after graduation by sending letters of recommendation to potential employers.

Ultimately, the path you choose for HVAC training is up to you. You should choose the method that best suits your current needs, and plans for the future. One point I'd like to add is that I believe there is a very strong future for the HVAC industry. Job growth in the industry is rising unexpectedly fast, and there are many incoming expected retirements, which will result in a high demand for qualified HVAC technicians.