Do You Need to Complete an HVAC Program to Become an HVAC Tech?

Joe Cockrell

Joe Cockrell

| Update: September 05, 2024

HVAC is a hands-on trade that offers valuable skills, advancement opportunities, and the opportunity to help people. With the potential offered by the industry, many people are eager to find the quickest way to jump-start their HVAC career. The good news is that beginning a career in HVAC is a fairly simple process and can happen in less than a year. However, to succeed as an HVAC Technician, you must obtain HVAC Training to prepare you for work in the HVAC Field.

UEI College's short-term HVAC Program will provide you with the knowledge, skills, and hands-on training that you need to succeed in the HVAC Field. Enroll today and earn an HVAC Diploma in as little as 10 Months.

Do You Need to Complete an HVAC Program to Become an HVAC Technician?

It is possible to begin a career in the HVAC field without training from an HVAC school but completing a program before seeking employment will set you up for greater success in the long run. So if you’ve been considering a career in HVAC and asking yourself do I need to complete an HVAC program to become an HVAC technician, the answer is that you should complete an HVAC Program because it will set you up for success in a career as an HVAC Technician.

That said, there are essentially two paths to becoming an HVAC technician. In some rare cases, employers may hire an employee and promise on-the-job training. Not many employers offer this route, and it usually comes up if you know someone in the field or if there is a huge demand during a peak season. The second route is to complete an HVAC Program, such as the HVAC Program offered by UEI College.

The Problems Associated with Choosing NOT to Complete an HVAC Program are:

  • Most people working in the field are not professional teachers and don’t have the time or resources necessary to offer comprehensive training. Learning by watching over a technician’s shoulder is not the same as learning through a carefully thought-out curriculum and lessons.
  • This type of training may also be an issue if you ever decide to work for another company. One company or one technician’s way of doing something may not be the best practice for the industry and it may get you in trouble down the line if you don’t know the proper way to do the job.

Many companies that offer on-the-job training do so to hire quickly and at a lower cost. Entering the job market after completing an HVAC Program, having an updated resume and professional certifications will set you up for more success.

So let’s talk about the second way to enter the HVAC field: Completing an HVAC training program.

There are many options available for completing HVAC training, and most take less than a year to complete. An accredited program is carefully monitored, with a curriculum that has been reviewed by those working in the industry.

HVAC Training programs teach soldering, pipe fitting, troubleshooting, and all the technical skills necessary to obtain your HVAC certification before you graduate and begin your job search. It will also cover in detail the safety measures that some technicians may have forgotten over time. With complete training and the support of experienced professionals, you will be set up for better success in the HVAC industry.

What Are the Benefits of Completing an HVAC Training Program?

If you are serious about building a long-term career in HVAC, there’s no doubt that an HVAC Training program will be beneficial. Here are a few of the top reasons why completing a program is a good idea:

Comprehensive training. HVAC training programs are designed to meet all different learning types. Whether you learn from listening, watching, or getting your hands on the equipment, you can do all of these with UEI College's HVAC Training Program. In fact, our instructors have worked in the field and bring a valuable perspective to each lesson. They are not just teaching by the book, but they are teaching from experience as well. A qualified instructor who has worked in the field is an incredible resource to someone trying to learn the trade for the first time.

Earn more from the beginning. Employers in the HVAC field care about experience. The more experience you have from the beginning, the more valuable you are to the entire company. Many employers are willing to pay you a hiring rate in the beginning if you come to the position with prior training. Each certification you achieve after completing your program will add value to your resume.

Learn transferable skills. Accredited HVAC programs offer students a wide scope of knowledge that they may be able to use down the road if they decide to specialize in one area over another. Working in HVAC doesn’t necessarily mean responding to house calls and repairing residential air conditioning units all day—but you wouldn’t know that if your only training comes from a residential repair company. HVAC training programs cover the basics of electrical, and plumbing, and how to read blueprints. All of this knowledge could be useful, even in other professional positions.

Why Choose to Become an HVAC Technician?

The HVAC industry is expected to grow over the next ten years, and as technology evolves, technicians with the latest training will be increasingly valuable. Now is a great time to begin training for a career in this industry.

HVAC technicians have the opportunity to work with their hands, work through problems that are challenging both physically and mentally, and help people and businesses. If you are looking for a career that keeps you mentally stimulated, allows you to provide a valuable service, and has a bright future, you should seriously consider a career in the HVAC field.

Consider Enrolling in UEI College's HVAC Program

If you are ready to train for a career you can be proud of, consider enrolling at UEI College. Our staff is dedicated to providing all the resources and support to ensure your success. With ongoing enrollment, you can enroll in UEI College's HVAC Program today, begin training for a career in the HVAC Field within a month, and graduate in less than ten months. Don’t wait—join us for a tour today!

Joe Cockrell

Joe Cockrell

Joseph Cockrell is a seasoned strategic communications leader with over 25 years of experience, coupled with a distinguished graduate-level education. A former professional journalist, Joseph excels in media relations, crisis communications, corporate reputation management, strategic communications planning, and marketing. Renowned for his proficiency as an expert storyteller, Joseph possesses a unique ability to craft compelling written and video content of the highest caliber. With an extensive background in navigating complex communication landscapes, he brings unparalleled insight and skill to elevate brands and effectively convey impactful narratives.