HVAC Job Training In California – Preparing For Your Future

It was the summer of 2006. A Heating Contractor heat wave swept through California, putting A/C units on overdrive, and bringing the power grid to near failure. For a full ten days the sun kept temperatures well over 100 degrees, and the many overtaxed air conditioners simply stopped working.

For three years prior to that date, the US bureau of labor statistics stated that HVAC technicians would be one of the fastest growing trades for decades to come. It wasn’t until that summer, however, that many people realized how dire the situation really was. A ten day heat wave left many homes and business without air conditioning, and it took HVAC technician’s months to catch up.

If you are considering a trade in California this quickly growing field may be the one for you. With HVAC training you will find that work is easy to find, and as you get more experience continued advancement within the field is available.

What Is An HVAC Technician?

HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. As an HVAC tech most likely you will work installing and repairing units that have to do with one of these three areas. However, this isn’t the only area where you can work with the right training. You may also find work as a pipe fitter, in HVAC sales, and in commercial refrigeration (to name a few). The HVAC career path truly gives you choices.

In California that average wage for someone starting in this field ranges between $45,000 and $51,000 per year (depending on the specific job role you choose). As you gain experience in this growing career you can expect advancement and even more opportunities for growth.

How Do I Get Started In HVAC

To get started in your new career as an HVAC technician there are a few roads you can take. Attending a community college or a technical school will allow you to start with an apprenticeship program. These programs generally last for 2 years and include classroom elements and hands-on, paid, training. For those on a limited budget this can be a great way to get started, since you earn as you learn.

Some technical schools, and private colleges, also allow you to get started with fast track programs. Although these programs tend to cost more, they will put you into the workforce in as little as 6 months. The additional cost may be worth it when you are working as a certified HVAC technician after only 6 months in school.

However you choose to get started, there is one thing that needs to be said. When you begin your career you can look forward to immediately finding work, and the growth for this field is expected to continue for decades to come.