People in the field of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) are often referred to as HVACR technicians. An technician’s job is to service the mechanical systems that control temperature and air quality in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. Because many of the modern day mechanical systems that control indoor air quality and temperature are quite complicated, training is usually necessary to enter the field as a technician who services and repairs the systems. Usually, you can get training by attending a technical school that lasts up to two years and prepares graduates for certification.
Some vocational high schools offer HVACR training to students who intend to enter into an apprenticeship upon graduation. During an apprenticeship with an HVACR company, employees learn specifics of the job over a certain period of time. Upon completion of the apprenticeship, they are often eligible to obtain certification as an experienced technician.
With proper training, you should be able to obtain a job in the field fairly easily. The U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the industry should have above average growth rate through 2014. Many workers are employed by companies servicing, repairing, and installing new systems to residential customers. Other related fields include commercial and industrial services, medical supply, and food transportation.
Many technical schools that offer HVACR training have job placement services. If you attend or are planning to attend a technical school in the field, you should ask whether they have job placement services for successful graduates. Check with other recent graduates, and also with business agents or local union representatives, for leads to companies hiring technicians in your area. The most successful workers often have both formal training and certification from a recognized source or accredited school.
