4 answers
1
Question
4 answers
Updated
Dana’s Answer
San Jose City College offers an Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technology program.
https://sjcc.edu/dept/air-conditioning-refrigeration-technology.aspx
The Center for Employment Training in San Jose also offers a program.
https://cetweb.edu/program/hvac-technician-green-technology
https://sjcc.edu/dept/air-conditioning-refrigeration-technology.aspx
The Center for Employment Training in San Jose also offers a program.
https://cetweb.edu/program/hvac-technician-green-technology
Updated
Will’s Answer
hi Adrian,
Welcome to CareerVillage!
I did some research and found the following basic steps. Not sure what stage you are currently at but hope it helps.
Here’s a simplified 3-step roadmap for getting into HVAC.
1. Focus on Relevant Skills and Education
- Take math, science, and tech classes in high school to build a strong foundation.
- Explore any vocational or trade programs your school offers related to HVAC.
2. Gain Hands-On Experience
- Look for internships, apprenticeships, or part-time jobs in HVAC or related fields to gain practical experience.
3. Get Certified and Continue Learning
- After high school, pursue certifications like the EPA 608 for refrigerants and any specialized HVAC certifications (e.g., NATE).
- Keep learning and growing your skills through work experience and further training.
Best of luck!
Welcome to CareerVillage!
I did some research and found the following basic steps. Not sure what stage you are currently at but hope it helps.
Here’s a simplified 3-step roadmap for getting into HVAC.
1. Focus on Relevant Skills and Education
- Take math, science, and tech classes in high school to build a strong foundation.
- Explore any vocational or trade programs your school offers related to HVAC.
2. Gain Hands-On Experience
- Look for internships, apprenticeships, or part-time jobs in HVAC or related fields to gain practical experience.
3. Get Certified and Continue Learning
- After high school, pursue certifications like the EPA 608 for refrigerants and any specialized HVAC certifications (e.g., NATE).
- Keep learning and growing your skills through work experience and further training.
Best of luck!
Updated
Paul’s Answer
When I was younger and bouncing around trades, my aunt's boyfriend recommended a good mechanical outfit that needed a helper. I was taught how to install metal and fiberglass ductwork. A few years later I went back into the trade. Worked for a boss who had his masters license and also a journeyman co worker that I assisted and learned from also. About 8 months later when school was enrolling I took the opportunity. 4 years of night school 2 nights a week(144 hrs per semester) and over 8000 hours of on the job with a Journeyman overseeing my work, I earned my journeyman certificate and card proving that I'm DOL certified in Delaware as an HVAC Mechanic. I worked for 2 companies before moving.
Fast forward to today I work for an HVAC company being certified for about 4 years now. I have about 10 years into the trade now in total. It's a fun trade for me where you can work smart and hard back and forth. No job is ever the same so you learn to use the skills you've learned along the way and adapt as you go by always learning with further training or even mistakes; we're all human.
I'm a residential installer at my current role and enjoy providing for people. There will always be job security in this trade. You have to work tough but some days are better than others. Get certifications wherever you can. Read and learn on your own. It was worth it for me but just know it's what you put into it. If you like what the trade is and does chances are you'll do great.
If you have more questions I'd be glad to answer. I'm new here and would like to help others as I've been helped over the years.
Familiarize what the trade is about
Go to Interplay SkillMill and get a trial membership for HVAC training you can do on a PC
Learn the basic components of an HVAC system
Decide what field you want to go into (residential, commercial, industrial)
Find a company or Union that will sponsor or help with your schooling while you're employed getting on the job training, be dedicated
Fast forward to today I work for an HVAC company being certified for about 4 years now. I have about 10 years into the trade now in total. It's a fun trade for me where you can work smart and hard back and forth. No job is ever the same so you learn to use the skills you've learned along the way and adapt as you go by always learning with further training or even mistakes; we're all human.
I'm a residential installer at my current role and enjoy providing for people. There will always be job security in this trade. You have to work tough but some days are better than others. Get certifications wherever you can. Read and learn on your own. It was worth it for me but just know it's what you put into it. If you like what the trade is and does chances are you'll do great.
If you have more questions I'd be glad to answer. I'm new here and would like to help others as I've been helped over the years.
Paul recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Shon’s Answer
I was working for a cleaning company that wasn’t paying me right a way out decided to get into trades. I’m 26 and I have a two year degree for heating and air conditioning. I’ve been doing HVAC for about three years. I’m now starting my own company HVAC is a very good trade to get into, because you’re able to decide what you want to work for and gives you value in the workforce I would recommend getting into it but it’s not the faint of heart tradesmen will be America’s next millionaires there is nobody that wants to do HVAC anymore and that’s why it’s such a good trade to get into Technological advances make installing and repairing as time goes on as well if you have any questions, we’re here good luck