HVAC Classes for Beginners: How Can Formal Education Help?

When searching for a career path, a good thing to ask yourself is whether a prospective career serves a need. Meaning, is it something that everyone requires or would you be doing something more niche, catering to human wants rather than needs?

By this measurement, HVAC is an incredible career to choose. Unless you live in a paradise where it never gets too hot or too cold, then the people in your community are always going to need assistance with the installation, maintenance, and repair of their heating, cooling, and ventilation equipment.

Of course, choosing to go into HVAC is just the first step. The next thing to decide is whether to apply as an apprentice to an existing HVAC company or to go through a formal education via a trade school. The following is a quick look at the benefits of choosing formal education and how the structure of trade school can prove a big boon to those newcomers to the industry:

Advantages of a Formal Education in HVAC vs. On-the-Job Training

  • Get training that is more intensive across a diverse array of programs. While on-the-job training can be attractive as it means you can be paid as you learn, it also comes with some big disadvantages. In these scenarios, employers are concerned foremost with getting work done and not with having you trained. You’ll be taught what you need to know to finish certain projects, but learning beyond that will come slow and you’ll generally be required to teach yourself if you want to gain other skills. In contrast, with a formal education program at a trade school, you should be exposed to a rich curriculum that will teach a variety of skills. You’ll learn why you approach certain tasks as you do in order to get a broader knowledge of tools, equipment, and processes necessary to best troubleshoot problems and resolve issues. Students will also enjoy plenty of hands-on practice with equipment and tools.
  • Get direct mentorship from professional instructors. While on-the-job training programs might offer someone who trainees are to shadow and learn from, rarely are these people skilled in how best to instruct others. Teaching is a special skill and good instructors know how to adapt to their students and how to best to provide information to a class. In a formal education setting, you will learn both theories as well as enjoy demonstrations by experienced instructors. Additionally, because this is done in a classroom setting and not an on-the-job setting, students won’t feel rushed or be forced to learn new tasks on the fly — which is a good way to learn bad habits.
  • Get a degree that is more attractive to employers. When employers are faced with either training someone up from scratch or hiring someone who can already exhibit their ability to operate equipment and follow instruction, many times they’ll choose the latter. As mentioned at the top, HVAC is an industry that is always in demand and so many companies are looking for individuals who have demonstrated skill and experience in the industry and can hit the ground running. With a degree from a trade school program specializing in HVAC, you can prove that. Additionally, a degree can secure you a much better paying position than you would otherwise obtain without any HVAC background.

Fast-Tracking Your Career by Completing a Trade School Program

Applying and going through an HVAC program is not the same as going through a formal four-year university program. Therefore, if you’re wary of applying because you don’t want to be in school for so many years, rest assured you won’t be. Learning a trade like HVAC can be done without endless lectures and theory assignments.

Those who will particularly enjoy this career path are those who like working with their hands, troubleshooting machines and equipment, variety in their daily job tasks, and the ability to go anywhere in the country and still find ready employment.

Ready to Enroll in an HVAC Formal Education Program?

Does all the above sound like something you would be interested in? Then why delay any longer? Today is a great day to take that first step towards a new career and a new you. Learn more about the benefits of ATI’s hands-on curriculum by contacting one of our friendly representatives today about enrolling in our Associate of Applied Science Degree in HVAC Technology with Service Management.

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