Most individuals do not spend a lot of time thinking about their heating and cooling systems. It is because when a building or room is at the ideal temperature, nearly no one notices.
If these systems create a disturbance, you need to contact an HVAC Technician. The global heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) industry will reach around 367.5 billion US dollars by 2030. So getting an apprenticeship in this field is a great idea. There’s a great demand for work.
Getting an HVAC apprenticeship is an initial step in becoming a qualified HVAC technician. If you’re interested in obtaining an HVAC apprenticeship, read on to learn the steps for becoming an HVAC apprentice.
What Does an HVAC Technician Do?
HVAC technicians are equipped with the training to install, repair, and replace HVAC systems. Similarly, an HVAC apprentice may go with these technicians to get hands-on experience. they’ll also gain the abilities required to become a successful technician.
These experts also repair heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC-R) systems. They have to use using their understanding of equipment, building structure, and electrical design.
In short, the proper maintenance of an organization’s HVAC system is necessary to maintain smooth operations.
Steps of Becoming an HVAC Apprentice
Apprentices in an HVAC program can get knowledge in language and procedures. They’ll be installing new equipment. They’ll also learn skills and expertise for repairing and troubleshooting existing equipment.
You can follow these four simple steps to acquire and maintain an HVAC apprenticeship.
1. Get a High School Diploma or Its Equivalent
The first step towards preparing for this job sector is to obtain a high school certificate or GED. The BLS suggests pursuing vocational training, physics, and math classes in high school. Developing your expertise in electrical work or plumbing is also helpful for this profession.
Additionally, competitive individuals may have volunteer or employment experience supporting HVAC specialists.
2. Complete an HVAC Training Program
HVAC training programs at the initial level give a certificate or a college degree. Many people enroll in an HVAC technician training program at a community college. They may also opt for a trade school to learn the fundamentals of HVAC-R.
These diploma or certificate programs are completed in as short as six months and for as little as $1,200. Associate degrees typically take two years to complete and cost upwards of $7,500.
There are bachelor’s degree programs for HVAC apprentice training. But, they are less frequent and significantly more expensive.
3. Go Out and Get an HVAC Apprenticeship and Some Hands-on Experience
HVAC applicants who have completed post-secondary education and a three to five-year apprenticeship program are preferred by employers.
Apprenticeships with on-the-job training are available through contractor groups and unions. These organizations may help you obtain HVAC technician jobs.
Apprentices work with trade professionals. Apprenticeships provide industrial knowledge in blueprint interpretation, tool application, and safety measures.
Whether you’ve got any training under your belt yet or not, employers will be looking for someone with a good work ethic. Be proactive in your search for an apprenticeship and try out a few different sources like:
- Indeed
- ZipRecruiter
- Even a local newspaper
Go and meet with some potential employers in person to show them just how keen on an HVAC apprenticeship you are.
4 . Maintain as Required and Get Licenses and Certifications
Licenses are a requirement for HVAC technicians in several states. Once you’ve landed an apprenticeship you’ll have to work towards acquiring one.
Check the criteria in your state and local area to discover whether you need to become certified.
For example, there is a body known as the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). They require those who deal with refrigerant-cooling systems to be appropriately trained.
What Is the Role of an HVAC Apprentice?
Let’s say you’ve landed the job as an HVAC apprentice. What happens next?
The climate in homes and businesses is managed by complex heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems that employ a diverse set of methods and technologies.
Of course, just like any mechanical system, your heating, and air conditioning may require maintenance from time to time. You’ll be learning about all of that on the job.
In most situations, the job is done by an HVAC professional in charge of maintaining and servicing the equipment that keeps your house cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Your job is to assist the pro, you’ll start with smaller jobs and work your way up to the more important ones as you learn more.
Furthermore, specific training is necessary to enter the HVAC sector. HVAC apprentices are people who enter this sector and work under the supervision of qualified contractors to gain hands-on experience to learn the profession.
Commercial HVAC Apprentice
A commercial HVAC apprentice learns the skills and tools needed for the profession while working under the supervision of a journey-level HVAC technician. Yet, the skills you learn will vary from that of a residential HVAC apprentice.
During your HVAC apprentice training program, you will assist in installing, repairing, and maintaining commercial HVAC and industrial refrigeration systems.
Following designs to install heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems in commercial buildings is one of your primary responsibilities as a commercial HVAC technician.
Moreover, you identify the problem and perform the appropriate repairs when working on maintenance tasks.
You more likely begin your apprenticeship by just observing experienced technicians do their duties as you’ll be working with very expensive equipment. But ultimately, you may be assigned particular tasks to accomplish alongside your supervisor.
This apprenticeship often lasts three or four years and requires you to complete many classes in addition to your on-the-job training.
HVAC Technicians’ Job Prospects
HVAC systems have improved the quality of interior spaces by providing thermal comfort and acceptable air quality. Luckily, HVAC specialists have a very bright job outlook.
HVAC Technician Training Programs Courses
There are a few different areas an HVAC apprentice can find a job. Think carefully about which sector you would like to get into before you land your HVAC apprenticeship. Some training won’t be necessary for certain HVAC specialists so do your research before enrolling.
Refrigeration Systems
- Work with refrigeration systems as part of HVAC training
- Discover how refrigeration systems function
- Learn how to manage refrigerants in an ecologically appropriate manner
Math and Electrical Basics for HVAC
- Covers the math and electrical abilities required of an HVAC specialist
- You’ll learn about conversions and common electrical phrases
Fundamentals of HVAC
- Learn the necessary technical skills
- Frequently provided in a hands-on format
Electrical Systems
- Learn how to debug computer systems
- Improve your grasp of electrical HVAC components
Begin Your Career as an HVAC Apprentice Today
As you can see, becoming an HVAC apprentice is as simple as getting your GED, engaging in some training, and finding a professional to take you on. Are you ready to begin your training?
If you already have high school graduation, it’s time to continue your education and obtain your HVAC certificate now.
Feel free to read our post on how to get an HVAC apprentice for more detailed information.