Hvac Training
With the current building boom taking place across most of North America there's a growing job market for those with HVAC training. HVAC is short for heating, ventilation and air-conditioning, and may also be referred to as HVACR when the training includes refrigeration systems. HVAC systems control the air quality, temperature and humidity in a given space while refrigeration systems are needed to keep food items cool in your local supermarket and to preserve medicine and other perishable goods during transport and storage. Certified technicians are needed to install and repair these systems in all manner of buildings and transport vehicles.
Trained HVAC technicians can be self-employed, work for a larger contracting firm, a wholesaler, or manufacturer. They may also choose to take jobs related to only one aspect of the HVACR system such as heating or refrigeration, or they might choose to work exclusively in maintenance and repair or installation. After learning the basics of HVAC some people often go on to become system designers or find work selling HVAC systems. HVAC training can also be a jumping point into other types of work that involve similar skills. HVAC technicians sometimes find work as electricians, sheet metal workers, pipe layers and fitters, boiler makers and home appliance repairmen.
HVAC training is available through vocational and technical schools, as well as online learning. People also learn the trade by apprenticing themselves to experienced technicians, though it is often difficult to find one who is interested in taking on an apprentice. Most workers in the industry agree that programs that offer work experience as part of the training are the most useful when it comes to finding that first job in the industry. In some cases this may be a strike against online learning, however, some schools are able to offer lessons online and still provide students with hands on experience as well. In most cases there are no prerequisites for HVAC training courses and anyone who has completed high school can apply. Before taking part in training be sure to contract local HVAC contractors or unions to find out what the exact requirements are for certification in your area and to ensure that the training program you've picked will help you meet these requirements.
HVAC technicians work with a wide variety of equipment including fans, ducts, pipes, motors, and thermostats. Training can take anywhere from six months to two years to complete and gives students a full understanding of how all the components of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems work. Students learn how to instal these systems, diagnose and repair broken equipment, carry out yearly inspections and replace worn parts. Students need a solid understanding of how electrical, plumbing and other systems in a building work and how they relate to the HVAC system. The safety of technicians and other people is also a major focus of training as students learn how to safely position ladders and other equipment while working and how to deal with any hazards that may occur. A comprehensive training course will also teach students some basic customer service skills such as how to advertise, establish good customer relations, and encourage repeat business.