by round peg | Dec 5, 2021 | Uncategorized
The new year is just around the corner! Without a doubt, we’re ready to move on from 2021. Give yourself a lot of credit as you think about the new year; you’ve overcome a lot in the past couple of years. From interruptions in education to supply line issues stemming from the pandemic, there has been no shortage of challenges.
As we move forward into 2022 filled with hope, it’s time to start thinking about resolution ideas and how you can achieve your goals in this new year. And of course, no list of New Year’s goals is complete without some attention to your long-term career.
If your plan for 2022 is to start your HVAC career, read this guide to learn the steps you should take!
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Research a Future Career in HVAC
HVAC careers pay well and are extraordinarily rewarding. Skilled trades workers like HVAC professionals help keep our communities safe and comfortable no matter what. They’re the reason our society is able to function, and they’re paid accordingly.
A report on salaryexpert.com stated that HVAC technicians’ salaries in the Houston, Texas area come in at an average of $60k, with a starting salary of $44k. You’ll be getting paid like this right away, as some schools can have you trained and certified in as little as 10 weeks!
Beyond great pay and impact, HVAC careers will satisfy the need for constantly-changing work! You’ll be working in different buildings with different clients at different locations every day. There will be countless opportunities for growth and learning more.
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Get Certified as an HVAC Technician
To enter the HVAC career field, you need to get trained and certified as an HVAC technician.
Here’s how to get started. Find a trade school that offers an HVAC program, sign up, get trained, get your certification, and start working! Expert-led schools won’t just train you in the technical areas, they’ll help you prepare for job interviews, and will teach you “soft skills” like effective communication and customer service.
After you attend a trade school and get certified, be sure to pay attention to your individual state’s rules and requirements. Different states have different licenses and protocols for HVAC professionals. Click here to learn more about the requirements for HVAC workers in Texas.
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Continue Your Education
Your education never truly stops, especially in a technical field like HVAC. You should always be open to new information or ideas about your industry. In the new year, keep researching new developments and updates in your field to stay informed. The more you learn about your field, the better you’ll be at your job!
Consider attending trade shows or joining professional development organizations like the Texas Air Conditioning Contractors Association. The more you get to know the HVAC profession and the folks within it, the more you’ll learn and the more you’ll grow. Plus, these organizations and events are great networking opportunities!
Conclusion
The opportunities ahead of you are exciting. As you look forward to 2022, consider starting your HVAC career by following these 3 steps!
You’ll be able to research an HVAC career, get certified, and continue your education after being employed–all before 2022 ends!
Start your Career with the Training Center of Air Conditioning & Heating
If you’re a Texan looking for training that truly prepares you for a job in HVAC, The Training Center of Air Conditioning & Heating is here to help you rise to the occasion.
In 10 weeks, you’ll have everything you need to start your first job. You’ll be fully trained and certified, and will have completed your first installation.
You’ll be trained by industry expert Chris Walters, who has the technical mastery and industry connections to help you hit the ground running when you graduate.
Don’t wait, start training for a rewarding, high-paying career in HVAC! Gain the skills and confidence you need to nail job interviews and start working.
Take a look at our upcoming classes or contact us to learn how you can get started!
by round peg | Nov 15, 2021 | HVAC Career
After graduating from HVAC school and receiving your technician certification, you’ll be ready to start the job hunt.
This is an exciting time; lots of high-paying job opportunities are at your fingertips. To help you stand out as a great job candidate, you need to know what employers are looking for. That’s why we’ve assembled a helpful list of important HVAC professional traits for you.
Here are 5 things that every HVAC company is looking for in a hire!
A Good Attitude
HVAC employers seek out candidates who are genuinely happy and interested in their work. They want to employ professionals who approach every repair and installation job with a smile on their face, optimism, and the willingness to encourage other team members.
At the end of the day, they want to hire someone who is pleasant to be around, for the benefit of their company and the customers they serve.
So, be sure to display your great attitude during interviews! Exemplify how happy you are to be there by paying attention to the interviewers, complimenting them, and talking positively about your skills and your aspirations.
Effective Communication Skills
When you work in the HVAC field, you’ll be in communication with a lot of people. You’ll be talking with customers, coworkers, dispatchers, and other people every day. Employers want to know that you can communicate effectively to keep everything running smoothly.
A great way to express this is through your interview skills. Being able to speak about yourself and your training in a way that’s interesting and easy to understand will help you stand out. Make sure you mention that you pay attention to the details when it comes to communication.
Improve your effective communication skills by practicing active listening in your everyday life. Don’t plan how you’ll respond to people who have questions; really take the time to make them feel heard and respond naturally! This will translate into positive customer interactions as you enter the field.
Quick Thinking
It’s no secret that HVAC work keeps you on your toes.!
Employers are aware of this, and they seek out quick-thinkers when making hiring decisions. They want to know that you’ll be able to rise to the occasion when an unexpected problem arises, or when things don’t go according to plan.
To help demonstrate that, be sure to mention times in your training where you had to think on your feet. If you were trained in a high-exposure environment like the Training Center of Air Conditioning & Heating, you’ll have plenty of these examples to talk about.
Time Management Skills
HVAC work will keep you busy. Multiple projects within the day at different locations and times create a big list of things to keep track of. This is why employers look for candidates who can keep track of their time and utilize it effectively throughout their working days.
Let your interviewers know about how you balance the different moving parts of your own life. Your example could be as simple as the way you balance time between HVAC school, work, and family. Be sure to mention how you keep a detailed calendar and prioritize different aspects of your schedule.
Willingness to Learn
Last but not least, you need to demonstrate that you’re willing and excited to learn! Employers value a great attitude towards learning as much as (if not more than) related job experience. This helps them know that you’re committed to mastering your craft and growing the company.
Be sure to let them know your existing expertise about hot water heating, steam heating, air conditioning, water cooling, and related appliances, but don’t forget to mention how excited you are to learn more every day at work.
Jump-Start Your Career at The Training Center of Air Conditioning & Heating!
As we’ve discussed, there are a few different “soft skills” and characteristics that HVAC employers look for in new employees. These include having a good attitude, communication skills, quick thinking, time management skills, and willingness to learn.
Before you can communicate these traits to HVAC employers, you need to get your certification and get trained up! That’s where the Training Center of Air Conditioning & Heating can help.
In 10 weeks, you’ll have everything you need to start your first job. You’ll be fully trained and certified, and will have completed your first installation.
You’ll be trained by industry expert Chris Walters, who has the technical mastery and industry connections to help you hit the ground running when you graduate.
Don’t wait, start training for a rewarding, high-paying career in HVAC! Gain the skills and confidence you need to nail job interviews and start working.
Take a look at our upcoming classes or contact us to learn how you can get started!
by round peg | Nov 8, 2021 | HVAC Career
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics out of 367,900 Americans in the HVAC industry, only 1.4% were women. This tells us that the HVAC and trades industries have lots of potential room to expand and diversify their workforces.
While the HVAC industry has been predominantly male-led, this doesn’t mean that women need to be left out of the mix. In fact, now is a great time for women to enter the trades! The industry is growing, along with the need for more professionals. Trades fields offer rewarding, high-paying careers for everyone who takes on the challenge.
Regardless, entering an industry that has been historically made up of men can be intimidating and at times challenging for women, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible to succeed and lead in the trades.
In fact, trades careers are a wonderful opportunity for women to show how just how valuable their skillsets are. Women who enter the trades workforce will be able to inspire younger generations, encouraging them to engage with work that keeps our society functioning.
Challenge the Stereotype
As mentioned before, the HVAC industry has been male-led for decades now. Employers and even clients might believe the stereotype that a good HVAC technician is a man. But if history has taught us anything, it’s to keep an open mind and judge people based on merit, not what they look like!
Any job in the trades tends to be thought of as physically grueling and demanding, immediately making it stereotypically “manlier”. However, the truth is that jobs in the trades are just like any other job in any other industry. They require professionals that are competent in both the hard and soft skills required to get the job done well every time.
While a day in a trades job might be physically demanding, it also requires great communication, problem-solving skills, attention to detail, etc. We can all agree that these traits are all things that both men and women are more than capable of developing and excelling at.
If you’re a woman entering professional trades, make sure that you are aware of your capabilities, and highlight them during the hiring process.
Whether you excel in the physical requirements, the softs skills, or both, make sure that your future employer knows that they are not only hiring a woman in HVAC but they are hiring a well-rounded HVAC technician. After all, they just want someone they can count on to get the job done. Show them that, and you’ll be all set.
Networking and Community
Just like in any other job, it is important to network and build relationships in your industry. It is extremely important that you surround yourself with fellow professionals that are interested in seeing newcomers succeed in the industry.
A great way to build your network is to participate in trade shows, certification programs, and even volunteering to shadow other professionals in the field.
This will help you not only demonstrate that you have taken time to follow your passion but will also show that you continuously look for opportunities to educate and better yourself in the HVAC community.
Women should engage in the HVAC community using these avenues even before they start training or applying for jobs! The sooner you enter the conversation, the faster you’ll learn and the more polished your skills and network will be.
A great resource for women interested in entering the trades is Women in HVACR. They hold an annual conference that is specifically designed to cultivate relationships, connect women, and grow careers. Start your search at these large-scale industry events as soon as you can!
How to Become an HVAC Professional
One of the best ways to start building your HVAC career is by attending an HVAC school.
HVAC trade schools will be able to provide you with the training, education, and skills development you need to set yourself apart in the job search. When you graduate, you’ll be certified and ready to start working.
A great HVAC trade school won’t just teach you the technical skills you need to get a certification; they’ll help you develop your “soft skills” like communication, quick thinking, and overall professionalism.
Expert-led schools like the Training Center of Air Conditioning & Heating will even provide you with education about things like job interviews or tips for starting your career.
Even better, a trade school can help you start to build your network before you even graduate. If your school partners with local businesses and employers, you’ll be in contact with community professionals who will be ready and eager to take you under their wing.
Try to find a school that prioritizes real-world work conditions and experiences. The more exposure to realistic scenarios you have, the better off you will be in the job search and in your career.
Training Center of Air Conditioning & Heating
Here at The Training Center of Air Conditioning & Heating in Texas, we invite everyone to learn from our director, industry veteran Chris Walters.
If you’re a woman in the Houston area looking to begin a career in the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning industry, be sure to connect with us to learn more about planning your HVAC career!
When you attend the Training Center of Air Conditioning & Heating, you’ll receive your certification and all the skills training you need to start your career in just 10 weeks! You’ll hit the ground running, powered by technical know-how, professional development, and industry connections.
If you have any questions regarding the HVAC industry and the education you will receive here, check out some of our frequently asked questions.
by round peg | Nov 1, 2021 | HVAC Career
A new career in HVAC is a gift! It’s a fresh set of opportunities. You’ll be serving your community by supporting their safety and comfort, and you’ll be getting paid very well for it. Every day, you’ll face new challenges and have the chance to grow both professionally and personally!
However, we understand that beginning a new career can be intimidating. There’s so much to keep track of, and there are a lot of things you need to succeed. We want you to hit the ground running in your HVAC career, so we’ll share some advice that will help you do just that.
Here are 4 tips that will help you succeed in your new HVAC career and experience the gift of opportunity!
Work on Your Resume
Building a great resume helps you stand out as a candidate. Your interview skills, technical knowledge, and overall professionalism are what land you the job, but a good resume gets you “in the door.”
Make sure that you are highlighting all your experience in the HVAC industry, whether it’s time in the field or in the classroom. It is important to show that you have invested time and energy into becoming a professional. Employers often care more about your dedication and willingness to learn than previous experience, so highlight everything you’ve done!
Note any achievements, awards, or special recognitions you might have received or attended to whether they are related to HVAC or not. Show that you’re a well-rounded, capable, and engaged individual.
Include brief information about your interests and ways that you are involved with your community that goes beyond HVAC. List clubs, volunteer organizations, community service experience, and other things you are a part of to help demonstrate that you really care about people. After all, HVAC is an industry centered around serving others.
Talk about the soft skills that you possess, such as customer service, effective communication, time management, and other things that will make you a good employee.
Improve Your Communication Skills
Being an HVAC professional isn’t only about showing off your technical skills. Communication in the trades is essential, not only for working with your team but also for dealing with new, past, and potential clients.
You will truly succeed and stand out from the competition when you’re able to communicate quickly and effectively on the job.
It’s important to practice active listening. Really pay attention to the people around you. Instead of just responding as a reflex, really hear them out and take a second to think about what you need to say. This will benefit you when dealing with stressful or frustrating situations on the job. You’ll appear more confident and level-headed.
Remember, communication isn’t only what you say with your mouth but also what you say with your body. Look your clients and team members in the eyes, have a confident posture, and don’t close yourself off by crossing your arms or turning away when speaking to people on the job.
Be Equipped With Must-Have Tools
There is a list of “must-have” tools that every HVAC professional should carry around with them to be fully equipped for whatever project they might have to work on.
Hammers, screwdrivers, pliers, and tape measures should never be missing from your toolbox. After all, some of the best investments for an HVAC technician are the tools they own. Other critical equipment includes crescent wrenches, powered drills, wire cutters, and pipe wrenches.
Ensure that you have the essential equipment before you start interviewing for jobs, so you can get to work right away. Employers will be impressed by your ambition when you show up ready to go on the first day.
Look Out for Your Safety
It doesn’t matter if you have been in the industry for 1 month or 30 years, everyone should be following the proper safety standards to avoid any injuries or even casualties. Professional trades can be some of the most dangerous jobs out there, so be sure to stay on top of safety training and best practices.
There are plenty of hazards to keep in mind when doing your job. You will be working with electricity, exposed to different chemicals, and at times even doing jobs that could be hazardous for your respiratory system if you don’t use the right protection measures.
Make sure that your practices and work align with OSHA and CDC guidelines. This is necessary not only for your health but for staying within the regulations and legal standards of your work.
Another safety precaution that many might not think of is driving safety. You will be spending a lot of time on the road driving to and from jobs, so watch your speed and stay off your phone when operating a vehicle. You know how to stay safe on the road already, make sure it’s a priority on the job.
Jump-Start Your Career at The Training Center of Air Conditioning & Heating!
As we’ve discussed, there are a few different things you can do to prepare yourself to take advantage of your new gift—a career in HVAC. These include working on your resume, improving your communication skills, gathering must-have tools, and looking out for your safety.
To get started in the HVAC field, you need to get your certification and proper training! That’s where the Training Center of Air Conditioning & Heating can help.
In 10 weeks, you’ll have everything you need to start your first job. You’ll be fully trained and certified, and will have completed your first installation.
You’ll be trained by industry expert Chris Walters, who has the technical mastery and industry connections to help you hit the ground running when you graduate.
Don’t wait, start training for a rewarding, high-paying career in HVAC! Gain the skills and confidence you need to nail job interviews and start working.
Take a look at our upcoming classes or contact us to learn how you can get started!
