Could there be a better time to enter the heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) professions in California?

By Gabby Hyman
RWM Columnist
Aug 10, 2006

Could there be a better time to enter the heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) professions in California? A brutal heat wave in July 2006 knocked out air conditioning units throughout the state as California suffered through ten days of 100-plus temperatures. Over-taxed air conditioning units crashed and power line transformers exploded. Even before the heat wave, rapid increases in jobs for HVAC mechanics and installers were already predicted across the nation over the next decade.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for HVAC installers and repair technicians will grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2014. The BLS also predicts that job prospects will be especially good for graduates of accredited HVAC technical schools. In short, now's the perfect time to consider enrolling in and completing certifications courses or HVAC associate's degrees in California.

Certifications Also Speed California HVAC Hiring
Trade and vocational schools as well as community colleges in California offer comprehensive HVAC training. With durations from six months to full two-year programs, you'll have plenty of opportunity to combine HVAC training with apprenticeships that advance your prospects. Following completion of your vocational training, you'll need on-the-job experience to complete advanced certifications leading to higher pay.

According to Salary.com, the median salaries in Los Angeles, California for HVAC technicians range from $41,752 for entry-level professionals up to a median salary of $56,480 for an HVAC Mechanic III position. It takes five years' experience to move up to many advanced pay rates.

California HVAC Classes are Comprehensive
New California environmental regulations have increased opportunities for HVAC technicians to not only install replacement equipment, but retrofit existing systems. Once you enter your training program, rest assured you're going to learn exactly what you need to prosper in the heating ventilation and air conditioning field. Courses typically offer thorough preparation in electrical, refrigeration, air distribution, and heat pump training. You'll want to select a California vocational HVAC program that focuses on both commercial and residential applications.

After you graduate and have worked in the field for several years, there are advanced HVAC vocational courses that keep you up-to-date with the profession. Eventually you may choose to seek certifications from North American Technician Excellence, Inc. (NATE). There are vocational schools across California offering training for NATE exams -- advanced certifications that benchmark qualifications across the HVAC industry.

Sources
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Salary.com

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.