HVAC Apprenticeship

HVAC, or heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, is a great career option for these difficult economic times. Work is available year-round and, with proper training and a sound business plan, this career path can also lead to self-employment and the possibility of owning an HVAC business. With this in mind, how can you go about breaking into this hot career? An HVAC apprenticeship is a great way to get started.

The HVAC Apprenticeship

Those interested in a career in HVAC need to master a large set of skills-  from understanding the ins and outs of plumbing, ventilation, and electricity, to proficiency in math and physics. For this reason, most HVAC apprenticeships begin with course work that allows students to become familiar with the types of skills they will need to use on the job.

During this phase of the apprenticeship, HVAC certification hopefuls will take courses covering the fundamentals of heating, plumbing, electrical wiring, and refrigeration systems. Moreover, students will be introduced to the mathematical formulas used in HVAC work and the safety standards they will need to follow when using the specialized tools employed in HVAC. Finally, students will get practical, hands-on experience doing HVAC work under the guidance of certified HVAC employees through on-the-job training.

Purpose of an HVAC Apprenticeship

The purpose of the HVAC apprenticeship is to provide those going into the HVAC field the necessary instruction, skills, and experience needed to fulfill their career objectives. The class work component of the apprenticeship allows those seeking HVAC certification to review the basics before putting this knowledge to use during the on-the-job training segment of their apprenticeship program. This is an important first step that helps form the basis for later work.

During the following practical experience segment, HVAC trainees have the opportunity to work side by side with fully trained and certified HVAC technicians who offer practical experience in a real work setting. This phase is particularly important as trainees will be required to put their classroom training to use to solve everyday problems in the field.

Benefits of an HVAC Apprenticeship

The benefits of an HVAC apprenticeship can be broken down into three categories:

1. Classroom Training

• In-depth technical knowledge of heating, refrigeration, plumbing, and electrical systems
• Introduction to the basics: chemistry, physics, mechanical engineering
• Exposure to the specialized mathematical formulas used in HVAC work
• Detailed instruction on how to properly take measurements and identify the materials and tools needed for installation and repair work
• Practical experience with the computer assisted drafting programs typically used by HVAC technicians to create high-tech computerized blueprints
• Review of important safety standards
• Instruction on how to properly use specialized HVAC tools and materials
• Flexibility in coursework schedules that allows trainees to be full- or part-time students

2. Hands-on Experience

• First-hand knowledge of how digital blueprints are used on-site
• Practical experience with refrigeration, plumbing, ventilation, and heating systems
• Experience installing and repairing a wide-variety of HVAC components
• The option to specialize in a sub-field after completing the basic training requirements
• A minimum of 2,000 hours of on-the-job training
• Supervision and guidance from certified HVAC technicians and others in the HVAC apprenticeship
• Some on-the-job training opportunities allow HVAC trainees to be paid during their practical experience training
• Practical experience that may lead to employment after the apprenticeship as trainees work at real job sites
• The opportunity to network with potential employers and colleagues as most programs are sponsored by HVAC trade groups and top employers

3. HVAC Certification

• Basic requirement for those wishing to become HVAC mechanics or technicians
• Higher pay following successful completion of the state-approved HVAC certification exam
• National recognition following certification by one of the two nationally renowned certification agencies: the Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA, and the North American Technicians Excellence, or NATE