Did you know you can train for an HVAC/R career in as little as six months? The HVAC training program at The Refrigeration School (RSI) prepares you for a role as an HVAC apprentice. The HVAC training program focuses on the fundamentals of electricity and refrigeration, HVAC and refrigeration systems, and advanced troubleshooting techniques. You will also get hours of hands-on experience in instructor-run workshops to supplement in-class lectures. So, how do you get started in an HVAC/R career?
How to Start an HVAC/R Career
There are a few steps you can take to start an HVAC/R career. These steps include:
Step #1: Learn the Trade
Step one has two options for starting an HVAC/R career. The first option is to start working as an apprentice for an HVAC company. This option gets you in the field on day one, but there are some drawbacks. Starting as an apprentice will leave some knowledge gaps you won’t even know you are there until you find yourself in a situation you can’t fix. You may learn one specialty as an apprentice or work to assist an HVAC/R technician without getting a complete education in your tradecraft. This could leave you at a disadvantage when you get your HVAC license.
The second option fills in the knowledge gap. This option starts with a formal education. The HVAC/R program at The Refrigeration School ensures you completely understand HVAC and supplements the curriculum with hands-on training in real-life scenarios. You have an instructor to guide you and help you complete your skillset, so you are ready for anything the job throws at you. Once you complete your formal education, you are prepared to take on any projects assigned as an apprentice.
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Step #2: Get Experience
The second step toward starting an HVAC/R career is to work as an apprentice for 3 to 4 years to satisfy the requirements to become a licensed HVAC/R technician. The good news is that the formal education that takes six months to complete counts as one year toward your work experience requirement. You can take the licensing exam sooner and start working as a licensed HVAC/R technician in 3 years.
Step #3: Get Licensed
The Arizona Registrar of Contractors offers licenses to HVAC technicians who have completed the required formal education and/or work experience. To pass the licensing exam, you must score at least 70% on the AZ Statutes and Rules Course and Exam (SRE)1. You must also pass the individual HVAC license exam. Once licensed, you are given the title of journeyman HVAC technician. You can work independently, start an HVAC business, and manage other HVAC apprentices at this level.
Want To Learn More?
Ready to start your new career at one of the best schools for HVAC in Phoenix? Because HVAC is a hands-on job, technical training is typically required for anyone to enter this field. Many people invest in a trade program to learn the trade skills they need to be safe and effective as a professional. To learn more about our HVAC program offered at the Phoenix, AZ campus, contact us at The Refrigeration School or call 1-888-671-5803.
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