by christheacman | Nov 9, 2018 | HVAC Classes, HVAC Technician
Has trade school ever crossed your mind? This is different from college because trade schools focus on using hands-on, technical education. For a lot of people, going to college after high school seems like a given. The reason is usually pretty obvious – more income. However, this path comes with its own drawbacks, such as cost, dropout rates and the chance that you may not end up using your degree to find employment.
Trade School vs. College
Trade school is hands-on, skill-focused technical education. There aren’t any general education courses which dramatically reduces classroom time and costs. Trade schools have smaller class sizes, providing more one-on-one time with the instructor, making it easier to ask questions and get feedback.
- Time to Completion
- Cost Incurred
- Opportunities For Employment
1) Time to Completion
Traditional 4-year college means that you will not enter the workforce for that same amount of time. Most trade schools are significantly shorter, with some HVAC training programs lasting just 14 weeks.
2) Cost Incurred
The cost for a bachelor’s degree averages around $25,000-$50,000 per year, which adds up to $100,000-$200,000 for four years of attendance. That estimate doesn’t include room and board or any additional time it might take. In fact, the graduating class of 2016 was sent out into the world with the largest student loan debt of any graduating class in U.S. history. In contrast, trade schools average far less, with few exceeding $30,000 in total.
Pro Tip: Dropping out halfway through a college semester can incur significant debt. Don’t be afraid to take a gap year after high school to better prepare for your future.
3) Opportunities For Employment
Over the next few years, there will be a massive increase in demand for skilled trade employees. Plumbing, electric, HVAC and welding are experiencing shortages of qualified people, creating openings in desperate need of being filled. This means that with proper training you will have more opportunities and the potential for competitive pay upon entry to the workforce.
Explore Your Options
Furthering your education is always a good idea, but it’s best to explore your options when it comes to going to a trade school or college. Vocational education programs build self-confidence and provide practical skills that are in high demand.
Read our student testimonials for an insight into what our program is like.
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How is a trade school different from a college?
Trade schools focus on technical, hands-on learning in the classroom. This gets you ready for the workforce.
by christheacman | Oct 12, 2018 | HVAC Classes, HVAC Technician
College enrollment has been on the decline in recent years, due to rising tuition costs and a lack of well-paying prospects. A bachelor’s degree was once thought to greatly increase an individual’s earnings potential, but there are many high-paying jobs that value experience, training, and skill over a degree.
Jobs You Can Get With a High School Diploma
The median income of a typical American adult with a bachelor’s degree is $52,782, while the median income of those with a high school diploma is around $31,600 per year. However, some jobs that do not require a college education, pay well above the median. Here are 6:
- HVAC Technician
- Railroad Operator
- USPS Processor
- Distribution Manager
- Property Manager
- Police Officer
1) HVAC Technician
HVAC (Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration) technicians repair, maintain, and install heating, air-conditioning and refrigeration systems. They are responsible for heating, cooling, and air quality in residential homes and businesses. This job requires HVAC training, experience, and certifications for handling certain hazardous materials.
Pro Tip: There is currently a shortage of skilled HVAC technicians, so demand for this trade is at an all-time high.
2) Railroad Operator
Railroad Operators operate railroad track switches. They couple or uncouple rolling stock to make up or break up trains. Signal engineers by hand or flagging. May inspect couplings, air hoses, journal boxes, and hand brakes. In addition to that, they receive oral or written instructions from yardmasters or yard conductors indicating track assignments and cars to be switched.
3) USPS Processor
A United States Postal Service Processor is responsible for sorting and preparing mail for distribution. They bundle, label, and route mail to designated areas depending on destinations and according to established procedures and deadlines.They assist in loading mail carrier vehicles, unloading vehicles at the end of each shift and properly filing away mail that could not be delivered.
4) Distribution Manager
A distribution manager organizes the storage and distribution of goods. They ensure that the right products are delivered to the right location on time and at a an agreed upon price. They may also be involved in transportation, stock control, warehousing and monitoring the flow of goods. Understanding the whole supply chain is important so that they can coordinate it effectively and liaise with suppliers of raw materials, manufacturers, retailers and consumers.
5) Property Manager
A property manager is hired by a landlord or property investor to manage the day-to-day operations of a multifamily or commercial rental property. Exact responsibilities will vary based on the type of property they are managing, the amount they are getting paid and the terms of the management contract. Generally they are responsible for all tenant requests, rent, evictions, rental contracts and maintenance requests.
6) Police Officer
A career in law enforcement can be exciting, rewarding, and even fun. However, you can’t walk into your local police station, hand in a job application, and begin patrolling the streets within days or even weeks. You’ll need to attend the police academy and receive field training. The process of going from new recruit to full-fledged police officer can take 6 to 12 months—or longer.
No Degree? No Problem
Some of these jobs are in higher-ranking positions, accessible only to those who worked their way up from low-level positions. Others don’t require a degree but do require specialized training, such as law enforcement or HVAC technician. Many of these jobs also require specific credentials or licenses, but none require more than a highschool diploma.
Contact Us to learn more about Houston HVAC training classes that can lead to a career as an HVAC technician.
