Career Training for HVAC careers

Anticipated retirements should create excellent job prospects in heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC) installation, says the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). In 2006, there were 292,000 HVAC installers and the BLS expects continued job growth in this field.

HVAC Career Training & Careers
To begin your HVAC career, you can enroll in a trade school or community college that offers HVAC courses. College degrees usually take six months to two years to complete; however, some colleges may offer online degrees in this subject area as well.

Apprenticeships, run by HVAC professional organizations, also offer career training. Your apprenticeship should last between three to five years, during which time you should be paid about half the rate of an experienced HVAC installer. Some states mandate that HVAC installers be licensed. This requires the passing of a licensing exam, which college degrees can help you do.

Career Opportunities
Most HVAC installers work for plumbing, heating, and air conditioning contractors. Others are employed by fuel oil dealers, schools, and heating and air-conditioning stores. Wherever there is heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration, there is a need for HVAC professionals. In 2008, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, HVAC professionals earned a median annual salary of $39,680.