How To Begin Your Career In The HVAC Industry

On the Spot HVAC in Rockwall understands that many people are looking for new careers. In many industries, there are not many opportunities right now. Things are a little different in the trades. We want to do our part to inspire a new generation of trade technicians. After many years in the trades, we feel confident it’s one of the best career opportunities. Not only is the job growth outlook good, but getting started is easy also. If you are looking for an opportunity that will challenge you while also rewarding you, this could be it.

How to Begin Your Career in the HVAC Industry

Most people procrastinate when they are anxious. Does the thought of starting a new career make you feel anxious? If it doesn’t, you are an incredibly stoic individual. It’s normal to feel a little trepidation about making changes in your life. However, beginning a new career in the trade industry is much easier than other options. As long as you have the dedication and commitment necessary, you will be rewarded with a lucrative skillset.

Educational Requirements

Many people condemn themselves to lifetimes of low-wage jobs because they do not pursue higher education. Unfortunately, they do not realize there are other paths you can take to get a high paying career. The trade industry is better for people that value hands-on learning. If you have ever struggled in school because you do not like lectures, you might do better in an industry like this. On the other hand, you will still need to complete some basic educational requirements.

High School Diploma or Equivalent:

Before you can begin, you will need to graduate high school or receive your GED. It’s possible for minors to drop out of high school and begin vocational training. It is not the right path for everyone. For children that struggle in traditional classroom settings, it could provide a more stable career path.

Industry Certification Program:

Depending on the state, different certifications are required to work in the industry. You must research your local regulations and comply with any further educational requirements. Attending a certification program or trade school can expedite this process. Most programs can be completed in two years or less. Some programs even offer accelerated courses that you can finish in less than one year.

Apprenticeships:

Traditionally, after you graduate, you begin your apprenticeship. This is not a requirement by law. You can start to work immediately. However, it will be much easier for you to find employment with a year or two of apprenticeship experience. It’s an easy way for employers to tell if an employee will know how to do their job well.

Licensing:

Most states require you to complete licensing before you can work. What you need to do will vary between states. You can expect to pay licensing fees. Some states even force you to complete testing to demonstrate competency. Once you receive your license the first time, renewals are less complicated.

Heating, Ventilation, Cooling and Refrigerants

After you have been working in the industry, you can expand your career. By getting a technical certification, you can work on devices that use refrigerants. Not any technician can work on a device with refrigerants. You need special training before you can work on those units. There are three different types of certification you can get.

Type I:

Type I certifications allow a technician to work on small appliances.

Type II:

Type II certifications let the technician work on the high-pressure systems.

Type III:

Type III certifications let the technician work on the low-pressure systems.

Industry Outlook

When you are looking for an industry to consider its career opportunities, what do you look for? Everyone will have different priorities. However, most people agree that the following factors are all important. Luckily, this industry scores great marks in all categories.

High Income Potential:

Are you interested in a career path with a great return on investment? You do not need to spend tens of thousands of dollars and years of your life to get started in this industry. Plus, the average salary is higher compared to most other career fields. That includes career fields with much more difficult educational requirements.

A large Number of Small Businesses:

Small businesses have the highest income per capita out of all segments of the industry. Are you interested in working for yourself one day? Once you work in this industry, it is not that difficult to start your own company. That way, you do not have to answer to a boss for your entire life. Plus, you get to build equity in the company as it grows.

Higher Than Average Rate of Growth:

There are plenty of opportunities, even for people that prefer employment to self-employment. When you compare this industry to the average rate of growth in the economy, it becomes clear. The most recent jobs report indicates there will be a 15% increase in jobs this time next year for HVAC technicians.

Commercial or Residential

Another way that you further your career is by expanding into commercial trade. Residential trade is the most commonplace for technicians to begin their careers. Simply put, there is more work in that segment of the economy. However, commercial clients are often much more lucrative.

Commercial Trade:

The requirements for you to get a job in the commercial segment of the industry are more stringent. You will be working with equipment that costs much more than you use when you are in the residential segment. Thus, employers like to see employees with more experience on the job.

Residential Trade:

Most technicians work in the residential segment of the industry. You will be working with equipment found around people’s homes. There is plenty of work in this segment of the economy for beginning technicians.

Why This Is the Industry for You

Iis impossible for someone to tell you why you should do something. Only you can answer the following question, “what do you value most in a career?”. On the other hand, when you put it all down on paper, this industry stacks up favorably to most others. We would like to recommend it for people that enjoy working with their hands. Have you ever been stuck behind a desk? Was that an enjoyable job for you? If not, you might enjoy working in trade much more.