Exploring your Options After Completing HVAC Training
If you’re considering a career in the skilled trades, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration) is one of the most in-demand and rewarding options available today. Completing HVAC training at a trade school—like the Refrigeration & A/C Technology program offered at New Castle School of Trades—can open the door to a variety of career paths in both residential and commercial sectors.
What You Learn in HVAC Training
Before diving into career options, it’s important to understand what HVAC training covers. At schools like NCST, students learn the essential skills needed to install, maintain, and repair heating and cooling systems. The program teaches everything from electrical systems and ductwork to refrigerant handling, air conditioning systems, and even basic sheet metal fabrication. Students also get hands-on experience working with real equipment, so they’re prepared for the challenges of the job from day one.
Career Paths After HVAC Training
Once you complete your training, there are many different career options you can pursue based on your interests and goals. Here are some of the most common and rewarding paths:
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HVAC Technician: This is the most direct career path. HVAC technicians install, maintain, and repair heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems. You might work in homes, office buildings, schools, hospitals, or factories. Many technicians also specialize in certain areas, such as residential heating systems or commercial refrigeration.
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Refrigeration Technician: This role focuses specifically on the installation and maintenance of refrigeration systems used in grocery stores, restaurants, warehouses, and manufacturing plants. As a refrigeration tech, you’ll work with walk-in coolers, freezers, and industrial refrigeration units.
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HVAC Installer: Installers focus on setting up new heating and cooling systems. This career is ideal if you prefer building and installation over repair work. You’ll work with duct systems, furnaces, A/C units, and thermostats, making sure everything is installed safely and efficiently.
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Maintenance Technician: Some businesses, particularly large commercial properties, hire full-time maintenance technicians to ensure their HVAC systems run smoothly year-round. This job often includes preventive maintenance tasks like cleaning coils, checking refrigerant levels, and inspecting electrical connections.
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Controls Technician: If you’re interested in the technical side of HVAC, a controls technician works with the electronic and digital systems that manage heating and cooling equipment. This includes smart thermostats, programmable controllers, and building automation systems.
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HVAC Sales & Service Representative: For those who enjoy working with people, a career in HVAC sales can be very rewarding. With your technical knowledge, you’ll be able to recommend the best systems and services to homeowners and businesses.
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Self-Employment & Business Ownership: Many experienced HVAC professionals eventually choose to start their own service or installation business. Trade school training provides the technical foundation needed, and with experience, you can build a successful business of your own.
Start Your Career in HVAC Today
The demand for skilled HVAC professionals is growing every year. By completing a hands-on training program like the one at New Castle School of Trades, you can gain the knowledge and experience needed to launch a stable, high-paying career. In addition, we also have multiple area employer partners and offer job placement assistance to help you find the right fit after completing the program. Whether you want to work for a company, become a specialist, or start your own business, HVAC training can set you up for long-term success.