Nebraska HVAC Training -- Programs

If you're looking for a career with long-term stability and good pay, Heating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) technicians in Nebraska do very well on both counts. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), formally educated HVAC technicians will have the best job opportunities in the years to come. In Nebraska, Omaha-based technical schools offer accelerated training programs leading to HVAC certifications.

HVAC technicians specialize in installation, repair, and general maintenance of heating, air conditioning, refrigeration, and ventilation systems. They may focus on an exclusive specialty, or take vocational training to work on a range of systems across the board, including hydraulics and solar-powered systems.

Excellent HVAC Vocational Prospects and Training Programs
The BLS says that job growth for HVAC techs will grow faster than the national average for all occupations, "particularly for those with training from an accredited technical school." The impending retirement of Baby Boomer mechanics and installers will also generate many openings, according to BLS estimates.

A typical vocational school program gives HVAC trainees a solid background in electronics, chemistry, shop mathematics, computer-based equipment, blueprint reading, and applied physics.

Students can earn an associate's degree or certificate in the HVAC field. Both programs teach students critical skills as well as EPA certification training. This is particularly important for jobs involving chemical refrigerants, which must be handled according to special federal guidelines.

As a trainee, you'll take classes in refrigeration cycle and troubleshooting, comfort cooling system sizing and electrical troubleshooting, fossil fuel heating system maintenance and repair, commercial refrigeration and air conditioning systems, DOS and AutoCAD software systems, and more.

Rewarding HVAC Jobs in Nebraska
According to Salary.com, entry-level HVAC technicians in Omaha can expect to earn between $42,412 and $48,056 in their first year on the job. After two to five years in the trade, you can expect to earn between $50,037 and $55,647. And when you complete five years of HVAC service, your average salary can range between $55,876 and $62,524. Formal apprenticeship programs and national certifications can move you up the ladder even faster.

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About the Author
Gabby Hyman has created online strategies and written content for Fortune 500 companies including eToys, GoTo.com, Siebel Systems, Microsoft Encarta, Avaya, and Nissan UK.

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