Training for careers in Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) can be an exciting choice if you’re interested in opportunities to diversify and enhance your skill set, hands-on work, and an in-demand career. However, with so many training programs available, you may wonder how you’ll know which program is right for you.
When exploring potential training options, keeping these five things in mind can help you choose the program that best prepares you for your new career path.
1. The Curriculum and How It Aligns with Your Goals
How quickly do you want to enter the workforce and what skills do you want to learn? The answers to these questions are important when exploring potential HVAC training programs.
Generally, HVAC programs take anywhere from six months to two years to complete depending on the school. Some programs offer short-term training that aims to quickly build a basic understanding of heated and cooled HVAC equipment. Others provide longer training periods, so you can cover a broader range of topics in more detail.
An HVAC program can generally teach you the basics of refrigerant reclamation when covering air conditioning systems. However, an HVAC and Basic Refrigeration program spends more time on this topic and prepares you to service a broader range of refrigeration storage systems. If you want to specialize in a particular area, like commercial refrigeration, look for programs with courses that can help prepare you for that niche.
At Miller-Motte, our HVAC/BR program incorporates hands-on training both in class and through simulation labs to help better prepare students for the workforce. The HVAC industry requires a lot of practical skills, and the best way to learn these skills is through hands-on practice. When choosing an HVAC training program, make sure it offers plenty of chances for you to apply what you learn in simulated labs and hands-on classes.
Most employers require HVAC technicians to be certified in refrigerant handling and reclamation before they can begin working on air conditioning units. Completing HVAC training aligned with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Section 608 guidelines can help you prepare for the exam before graduation.
This can help limit the time spent pursuing certifications after completing your training program.
2. Industry Recognition
When narrowing down potential training options, look for those accredited by accrediting agencies recognized by the US Department of Education, or those recognized by credentialing bodies like the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) and North American Technician Excellence (NATE). This can help ensure the training options on your list meets industry standards of education and training, which can help you become a more competitive applicant.
To earn recognition, credentialing bodies like NCCER and NATE assess the curriculum, instructional quality, and even the facilities of the training programs. This is to help ensure the next wave of aspiring HVAC technicians have the technical knowledge, skills, and training to transition into the workforce.
Completing industry-recognized or accredited HVAC training can help ensure you’re prepared to meet the demands of your new career.
3. Industry-Experienced Instructors
Programs taught by industry-experienced instructors can elevate a strong foundation. These instructors can bring invaluable real-world knowledge and practical skills to each lesson. These insights can better prepare you for the challenges you may face on the job and provide tips and tricks you may not learn from a textbook. They can also provide you with insight into what it’s really like to work in the HVAC industry, which can help you decide if this is the right career path for you.
In addition, instructors with industry experience often have connections in the field, which can be valuable when you start looking for a job. They may be able to help you network with potential employers or offer you recommendations for potential leads.
4. Flexible Scheduling Options
Whether you have a full-time job or other time-based constraints, at Miller-Motte, we understand you may not feel confident in committing to a full-time, on-campus program. While online training offers convenience, on-campus training can provide invaluable hands-on experience to help you apply theoretical knowledge and practice your new HVAC skills.
Some HVAC programs offer day and night classes to which allows you to choose which classes work best for your schedule. Additionally, they allow you to choose whether you want to enroll on a part- or full-time basis. This gives you control over how many classes you take at a time which allows education to fit your needs.
We offer flexible scheduling options for our HVAC/BR program so you attend classes during the evening and or on the weekend. This allows you to balance your career training and other responsibilities while staying focused as you complete your program.
5. Career Services
Making the leap from a student to an entry-level professional can be daunting, but a strong Career Services team can help prepare you for this transition. When looking for potential HVAC training options, see if the trade school offers career support for their students and graduates. As you work through your program, a Career Services team can help you explore potential leads, write your resume, prepare for and schedule interviews, and more. These services can help minimize the stress and anxiety you may feel during your transition into the workforce.
Some institutions may have partnerships with local employers or offer job fairs where you can meet with potential employers and learn about job openings.
For more specifics on how our Career Services team helps our students and graduates, check out our previous post 4 Ways Career Services Can Help Students and Graduates.
Next Steps
Choosing the right HVAC training program is a significant step in your career path. Keeping the above factors in mind can help you get the most of your training period and choose the option best suited to your goals. Remember, the goal is not just to complete a program but to choose one that can equip you with the skills and knowledge to succeed in the HVAC industry.
Take the time to research and compare different programs, and don’t hesitate to reach out to schools for more information. With the right training and preparation, you can become a skilled HVAC technician ready to conquer the challenges of this unique and rewarding industry.
Ready to take the next step? Call 800-705-9182 or submit this form for more information.
Information within this blog is for general information purposes only. Miller-Motte does not assume or guarantee certification/licensures, specific job/career positions, income earning potential or salary expectations based on the programs offered at Miller-Motte. Career and program information statements in this blog do not guarantee that programs or other information mentioned are offered at Miller-Motte.
