The Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) program is concerned with the broad area of environmental systems control. HVAC is a one-year intensive course of study in the general trades areas of refrigeration, air-conditioning, sheet metal and heating and ventilation.

Selected students may be offered the opportunity to continue their training at BTEC for a second year at a more intensive level.

Projects involve use of various types of refrigeration / air conditioning equipment and heating and ventilation trainers. Safety procedures and proper use of testing equipment are taught in each of these areas.

In refrigeration, students learn about typical residential and commercial applications of refrigeration systems. In the air conditioning area, students are instructed on central air systems as well as window air conditioning units. In heating and ventilation, students are involved with boilers, burners, ventilation systems, and total environmental control applications.

Students learn to assemble various types of piping using acetylene and oxygen torches and varioussolders and fluxes used in the installation of refrigeration and air-conditioning systems. Uses of various refrigerants and fuel heating oils are also covered.

In each area, students cover the basics of each system, and learn to assemble and troubleshoot the various devices necessary for the systems. The student will become familiar with the mechanical and electrical components necessary to work in the field.

Students learn Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rules and regulations about refrigeration containment and needs for certification. Certification testing is provided at the school twice a year (fall & spring) by an outside agency.

ADVANTAGES OF THE TRADE
The HVAC specialist may work alone, with a team, work indoors, outdoors, travel, or stay in the office and manage the business.

This field offers full-time work year round. There is a variety of work exposure as one moves from one location to another. HVAC is an apprentice trade involving certified training hours.

On completion of the program at BTEC, the student receives 900 clock hours which may be credited  toward an State approved apprenticeship in the field. In addition, high school students can earn seven credits toward their high school graduation (one credit each in English, Math and History and four credits in Shop).

Cooperative work experience is available to qualified students. This gives the student an opportunity to work in the field, at local automotive companies, and receive credit for their work.

JOB OUTLOOK
The supply of trained people has not kept pace with the rapidly increasing demand for HVAC technicians. It is estimated that at least 75,000 more trained HVAC specialists will be needed in the next few years in the industry.

PLACEMENT
Students that complete the program can become apprentices to the trade and work in area heating, air conditioning and refrigeration businesses. Students earn from $6.00 to $10.00 an hour. Journeyman licensed HVAC specialists average $15.00 to $18.00 an hour.

Many people who enter this field find they can move into other areas of industry, such as:

• Sales representatives

• Estimator

• Draftsman

• Designer

• Specification writer

• Field service person

• Lab technician

• Wholesale operations