Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning Technology

Last Updated May 23, 2008


Government-mandated training makes HVAC a rapidly expanding market. It is a field that has seen major changes over the past few years as a result of the national emphasis on fuel conservation. Students are given practical training in a well-equipped shop, and outside installation of service projects gives the students on-the-job experience.

Duties
Graduates in this field may be required to:

  • install, maintain and repair commercial and residential refrigeration, air conditioning and heating equipment

  • perform load calculations and estimate jobs

Working Conditions
Graduates in this field commonly experience:

  • environment varies greatly depending on the place of employment (indoors, outdoors, offices, plants)

  • may work alone or cooperatively with others

  • meet scheduling demands (Based on customer needs)

  • work under little direct supervision

  • overtime work sometimes required

  • travel may be involved

Physical Demands

  • overall activity depends on job - may be sedentary (primarily sitting) to very active (walking, lifting, etc.)

  • climbing/balancing

  • from light lifting (20 lbs.) to heavy (70+ lbs.)

Characteristics & Temperament
Graduates in this field should have:

  • good oral and written communication skills

  • ability to follow directions

  • ability to work with inanimate objects (set up and maintain equipment)

  • mechanical reasoning (understand mechanical principles and devices; understand how things work and how to fix them)

  • good motor coordination (hand/eye coordination, accurate and swift movements, finger/manual dexterity)

  • dependability

  • self-discipline

Employment Outlook
Graduates in this field can expect the following developments:

  • salary average: $26,958 for 2002-2007 graduates

  • salary range: $19,000-40,000 per year for 2002-2007 graduates

  • 96% placement rate for 2002-2007 graduates

  • excellent opportunities

  • possible entry jobs: mechanic, serviceman, helper, technician, contractor, maintenance mechanic, power/refrigeration technician, hvac technician, installer

  • opportunities for advancement with experience and further training

  • employment in cities and towns of all sizes

Employers
Recent graduates have found work at:

Program & Course Information
Piedmont Technical College offers the following programs related to this career field:


Career Tracks is a publication of Piedmont Technical College that reflects the current career statistics for students who have completed programs of the college.  Forward your questions about this site to Andy Omundson at (864) 941-8376 or by e-mail to omundson.a@ptc.edu.