Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration

 

Career Profile
Heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration systems consist of many mechanical, electrical, and electronic components, such as motors, compressors, pumps, fans, ducts, pipes, thermostats, and switches. Heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers-also called technicians may be called HVAC technicians.. Technicians must be able to maintain, diagnose, and correct problems throughout the entire system. Technicians often specialize in either installation or maintenance and repair, although they are trained to do both.

 

Job Outlook
Job prospects for heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers are expected to be excellent, particularly for those with training from an accredited technical school or with formal apprenticeship training, and especially in the fastest growing areas of the country. A growing number of retirements of highly skilled technicians are expected to generate many job openings. In addition, employment of heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers is projected to increase faster than average for all occupations through the year 2014.

 

Salary
Apprentices usually begin at about 50 percent of the wage rate paid to experienced workers. As they gain experience and improve their skills, they receive periodic increases until they reach the wage rate of experienced workers. Median hourly earnings of experienced heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers were more than $27.11 in May 2004. Heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers enjoy a variety of employer-sponsored benefits. In addition to typical benefits such as health insurance and pension plans, some employers pay for work-related training and provide uniforms, company vans, and tools.

Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration

 

Disqualifiers/Barriers

• TBD

Important Skills

• Strong interpersonal skills
• Good reasoning ability
• Attention to detail
• Good communication skills
• Willing to take and follow directions
• Able to work as part of a team
• Mechanical aptitude
• Diagnostic and problem-solving skills
• Knowledge of electronics and mathematics
• Ability to adapt to changing technology

 

Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration

 

Educational Programs

Austin Community College, Riverside Campus

 

License/Certification
All technicians who purchase or work with refrigerants must be certified in their proper handling. To become certified to purchase and handle refrigerants, technicians must pass a written examination specific to the type of work in which they specialize. Exams are administered by organizations approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, such as trade schools, unions, contractor associations, or building groups.

 

Length of Training/Requirements
Students should expect to spend three semesters, including a one semester internship with a local employer. There is no certificate associated with the training program that ACC has developed but individuals also do not have to take and pass the THEA test for acceptance into ACC. Their classes will be considered continuing education.

 

Location of Classes
Lectures and labs are held in building B at the Riverside Campus of the Automotive Department.

Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration

 

To be determined