| An HVAC contractor is a professional who | | | | minimal classroom training. Take the lessons you |
| specializes in the installation, repair, and | | | | accrue on the job and apply them as you move |
| maintenance of cooling, heating, and refrigeration | | | | along. |
| systems in both industrial and residential buildings | | | | Step 4 - In addition to your day job, you may |
| alike. A career in this field offers a number of | | | | decide to head into a schooling program that |
| benefits, but also requires a large amount of | | | | caters to the field in order to further your |
| energy and hard work just to obtain certification. | | | | knowledge base. These courses provide a base |
| In this article, we will outline the necessary steps | | | | for a more specialized education through the |
| individuals must take in order to become an | | | | delivery of various instruction and real world |
| HVAC contractor. | | | | issues you'll find on the job site. These programs |
| Step 1 - To start off, individuals interested in a | | | | typically take anywhere between a couple |
| career in the industry must obtain a high school | | | | semesters to two years to complete. |
| diploma, or GED. This will help in making you more | | | | Step 5 - Find a company who will sponsor formal |
| attractive to potential employers in the field. If | | | | hvac contractor apprenticeships and are |
| you're really interested in first impressions, | | | | recognized by the ACCA, NAPHCC, or any other |
| additional training through a community college or | | | | nationally recognized association. These |
| trade school can't hurt either. | | | | apprenticeships combine job-site training alongside |
| Step 2 - Find yourself an internship or entry-level | | | | classroom instruction and generally take around 3 |
| position working with a certified and licensed | | | | years to complete. |
| HVAC installation, repair, and maintenance | | | | Step 6 - Apply for certification through the |
| company in the area in which you wish to start | | | | completion of your apprenticeship, or through the |
| your career. It may take a while before you find | | | | fulfillment requirements outlined by the NATE or |
| someone willing to provide you with an | | | | ACEC. These organization are both recognized |
| opportunity to prove yourself, but with a little | | | | throughout the U.S. as the leading institutes in the |
| drive and some hard work, you can bet you'll find | | | | field. |
| something. Show your enthusiasm for the job | | | | Step 7 - Once you've become certified, it's time |
| market and prove that you have the skills and | | | | to get to work. Decide whether you'd rather stick |
| knowledge worthy of a position. Be prepared for | | | | with the companies you've been working with, |
| your starting salary to be on the low end of | | | | you if you'd rather start your own business. In |
| things, but stay focused and motivated, and you'll | | | | general, many contractors initially decide to stick |
| have no problems moving up. | | | | with a larger company until a time arrives where |
| Step 3 - Use your internship opportunity to learn | | | | they have obtained the means necessary to |
| all you can about becoming an hvac contractor. | | | | begin their own company. Find the option that |
| The majority of quality technicians got to the | | | | works best for you and do the best that you |
| place they are by simply working in the field, with | | | | possibly can. |