Paving Career Paths Through HVAC Courses Online and Other Options

May 7, 2010
Katrina Dayrit

: Apprenticeship After Taking HVAC Courses Online - villageonflickr

Those who want to pursue careers in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning can start training in high school then move on to getting formal education.

Technology used in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems have become and continue to be more complex. Because of this, companies looking to employ technicians, installers, and mechanics often give preference to applicants who have completed training through HVAC courses online, HVAC tech school classes, or formal apprenticeship programs.

Training Early for a Career in Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning

Many individuals discover their interest in this field at a young age. For high school students hoping to enter the field in the future, taking shop classes will definitely help in getting an edge as soon as they graduate and begin formal training through apprenticeships or HVAC courses online or offline.

Among the shop classes that will benefit high school students hoping to pursue careers in this field are:

Applied Chemistry
Applied Physics
Blueprint Reading
Electronics
Mechanical Drawing
Plumbing
Shop Math

It would also help if they take up classes on computer applications that are often used by engineers, installers, and mechanics.

Formal Education for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning

Formal training for installers, technicians, and mechanics can be received through various means including:

enrolling at an HVAC tech school
attending community college classes
applying for formal apprenticeships
taking HVAC courses online

Completion of such courses and programs can take anywhere between six months to two years. Within that period of time, students learn about the theory and design of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems as well as how to repair, install, and maintain some of the most commonly used units. Upon completion of such programs, technicians need about as much time in the field to gather experience and be considered as proficient.

Taking HVAC Courses Online

Many individuals prefer to join on-the-job training programs for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning so that they will be entitled to at least minimum wage while they learn. Although that will allow them to make a living earlier on in their careers, that gives them the disadvantage of lacking formal education which employers often look for in applicants. Taking HVAC courses online can solve that dilemma.

In the US, aspiring technicians hoping to get education and training through HVAC courses online should choose programs accredited by

HVAC Excellence
the National Center for Construction Education and Research
the Partnership for Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Accreditation

Doing so will help them make sure that the courses they take have academic standards suitable for US employment within the field.

By taking HVAC courses online, those hoping to pursue careers in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning can receive formal education without having to give up employment. While taking such courses, they can opt to temporarily keep higher-paying jobs in unrelated fields or join apprenticeship and on-the-job training programs so they will get the advantage of both practical experience and formal education.

Reference:

Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition. "Heating, Air-conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers."