
From Shoes to Skills: HVAC Program Changes Career Path for Fresno Grad
Caesar Vargas travels all over California for his job, fixing ice machines, repairing small refrigeration units, and meeting new people—all made possible by the training he received at UEI College in Fresno.
Caesar had spent years working in retail and convenience stores. It was enough to get by but not enough to build a life on.
“Until I finished the program here, I had never made that kind of money,” he said. “It opened the door to better support my life and my wife.”
It was through his wife that Caesar was introduced to UEI. She had completed the Medical Assistant program and encouraged him to enroll. He chose the Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) program.
“It was very interactive and really fun,” he said. “It helped me realize I could do more than sit behind a desk or sell shoes. I really enjoyed it. I learned the basics—the heat cycle, basic electrical, reading diagrams, and blueprints. It was a great foundation to start a career.”
The hands-on program at UEI was a game changer for Caesar, bringing the concepts to life in a new way.
“The way UEI teaches HVAC is all hands-on,” Caesar said. “I’ve heard of other programs that are all book learning, but I need hands-on learning to understand. If you show me on paper, there’s a 50/50 chance I’ll get it. It’s great that they let us work on removing a motor or even feel a shock on a board.”
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The instructors at UEI focused on real-life examples from the field, which Caesar appreciated.
“Mr. Lopez is the best teacher I’ve ever had,” he shared. “I don’t think I would have gotten through it without his guidance. All the instructors were very hands-on and helped every step of the way. They make you feel like it’s okay to start slow. They guide you along the way, and it’s a good process.”
“Caesar was a great student, and we are very proud of him,” Mr. Lopez said. “He is one of those guys who is willing to put in the work to get the job done and it is no surprise that he is thriving in his career.”
At the end of the program, Caesar was hired to work in residential HVAC. After a year, he was hired by a large commercial operator.
“If it wasn’t for my year of residential work and my experience at UEI, I don’t think I would have gotten that job,” he said. “I get to travel, meet lots of people, and it’s very hands-on. It’s an experience most people don’t get.”
Caesar knows starting something new can be scary, but his advice is to never let fear stop you.
“The bar is only as high as you set it. If you put yourself down, you’ll struggle. But at UEI, they help you raise the bar, and you can achieve anything you want.”