There’s a lot of buzz these days over the subject of trade schools. The combination of ever-rising college tuition paired with a country-wide deficit in skilled workers has many high school grads thinking about routes to the trades. We might be a tad bit biased, but we think the trades—especially HVAC— are a great choice for a rewarding career.
What Does an HVAC Tech Do?
HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning, and there’s a wide range of jobs for individuals skilled in this field. Some choose to work primarily on the installation side and are typically employed by construction firms for new buildings. Others work for commercial contractors installing, servicing, and replacing units for office buildings, hospitals, stores and other multi-use environments. Appel’s techs specialize in taking care of residential spaces, working with homeowners to achieve a perfectly comfortable environment.
What Type of Training is Involved?
There are no licenses (outside of an EPA license for working with refrigerants) necessary for working in HVAC in the State of Indiana, though some counties have their own, more strenuous requirements. However, there are training programs and certificates readily available to help get you started in the field. Ivy Tech, for instance, offers a stackable, three tiered program in which candidates earn a certification (20 credit hours), then a Technician Certification (31-32 credit hours), and finally an Associates Degree (cumulative 60 credit hours).
Due to the need for skilled workers, some companies hire individuals to learn on the job with no formal schooling, while others help pay for the costs of continuing education. Other certifications and training exist in numerous specialties of the field. For instance, most of our technicians at Appel have earned the NATE (North American Technical Excellence) certification, which tests for the real-life knowledge individuals encounter on the job.
Which Aptitudes Fit Well?
In order to be an excellent tech, you need several key traits:
- Technical aptitude – It’s a must!
- Critical thinking – The nuances of HVAC systems demand an ability to problem solve and assess situations quickly and effectively.
- Excellent communications skills – This is particularly important for anyone working in residential settings. At Appel, this skill set is essential—we pride ourselves on having the friendliest, most knowledgeable, and courteous techs around!