Pros Of HVAC Training In A Trade School Instead Of On-The-Job
Posted on: 10 March 2020
Share
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the growth rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers is projected to grow 13 percent by 2028. The median pay for these professionals is $47,610 annually, and at least 46,300 jobs are expected to open up in this industry by 2028.
If you have a knack for mechanics and enjoy working with people, going to trade school can be an excellent way to gain the proper credentials and step into an HVAC career. Some companies do train HVAC employees who have no certifications, but there are advantages to going to trade school to actually garner your degree.
Trade school makes it easier to get licensed in the state
Not every state will require you to obtain a license to get a job. However, there are many that do, and obtaining a license can be much easier if you have spent time in trade school and earned a diploma. Those who have not completed trade school may have to show further proof of on-the-job training and take written exams that are already part of trade school requirements.
Time spent in trade school helps you network with industry professionals
So much can be said about the value of networking within any industry, but especially in a technical industry like HVAC. While you are in trade school, you will spend a lot of time with like-minded students like yourself, which holds its own value, but you can also bridge connections to industry professionals. For instance, it is not uncommon for trade schools to partner with local HVAC employers who take part in school-hosted job fairs, offering in-the-field course sessions, and more. You may have an easier time getting your name established in the industry once you graduate if you have already met professionals who work in the industry.
Trade school opens up opportunities for advanced career focus
HVAC training, on a basic level, will grant you access to entry-level jobs in the field. For example, you could work as a contractor for an HVAC sales and service company. However, if you want to take your career goals a little higher in the same field, such as becoming a commercial HVAC specialist, it is important that you go to trade school. When you enroll in one of these programs, you can choose what added courses you want to take to focus on advanced career goals.
To learn more about HVAC training, reach out to a local trade school.