If you’ve wanted to become an HVAC tech, fortunately, there is a trade school in California where it only takes 9 months to complete HVAC training. If you’ve wanted to become an HVAC service professional, you need the full course of technical training and the proper industry certification to start your new career in California. That may sound like too much to accomplish within a reasonable timeframe. But, you can finish HVAC school in only 9 months at one of the three campuses of Summit College
How Do You Become an HVAC Technician in California?
There are multiple options for receiving the necessary training to become a qualified HVAC professional. There are longer and shorter routes to obtaining the needed skill set:
| HVAC School: | The fastest way to become an HVAC technician is to complete an HVAC trade school program. You’ll learn all the skills needed for a career as an HVAC technician and have practice time to develop the skills you’ll be using on the job. |
| Train on the Job: | You can apply to become an assistant to an HVAC journeyman or master-level professional. This way typically takes the longest. You’ll need a high school diploma. (A driver’s license will probably also be required.) |
| Apprenticeship: | To become an apprentice, find a journeyman or contact the union near you and apply for an apprenticeship. You may be required to start by working as an unpaid intern to prove your aptitude for the field and your reliability. |
Finish HVAC School in Just 9 Months
The HVAC training program at Summit College takes only 9 months to complete for full-time students. Summit College HVAC Technician training instructors for the El Cajon, San Bernardino and Santa Ana campus classes are highly experienced HVAC professionals. They work closely with each student on areas of needed emphasis to help make sure everyone succeeds in every course. In just 9 months, you will learn all that you need to know to start your first job as an HVAC Technician.
Benefits of HVAC Training School Attendance
Completing a comprehensive HVAC training curriculum offers many benefits to students and graduates of the program. Having a full education in the HVAC field, including hands-on experience, and career assistance gives program graduates major advantages in obtaining employment after training. Some of the key benefits of HVAC training at a good trade school include:
Learn from Experienced HVAC Instructors
You’ll have abundant one-on-one help from your instructors to make sure you do well in all areas of needed training throughout your HVAC courses.
Builds Your Self Confidence
You will earn your certificate of graduation from the HVAC training school, which demonstrates your professional knowledge to prospective employers.
Gain Practical HVAC Experience
In HVAC school, you will have abundant opportunities to gain experience by practicing working on HVAC equipment as part of your coursework.
Free HVAC Career Services
The Summit College career assistance team will help prepare you for phone and in-person interviews, help with your resume, and help you connect with job opportunities.
Financial Aid for HVAC School
Tuition assistance and financial aid to cover other costs of attendance is available to students of the HVAC training program at Summit College.
Why Do People Choose a Career in HVAC?
There are many reasons why people choose to take courses in HVAC training school. If you’re a good problem solver and you like variety in your work, becoming an HVAC service technician may be ideal for you. If these traits describe you, then you may want to consider an HVAC career:
Like working with your hands: Do you prefer working with your hands vs. desk work?
Self-starter: Are you a good self-motivator? If so, you may start your own HVAC service.
Methodical: Do you like to follow a process to achieve the right outcome?
Prefer working outside the office: Do you like a change of scenery every day?
What You Will Learn in the HVAC Curriculum?
In your HVAC educational curriculum at Summit College, you’ll cover the full range of subjects in both residential and commercial HVAC systems. For example:
| Heating | How to repair HVAC |
| Cooling | How to install HVAC |
| Ventilation | Knowledge of HVAC Industry |
| Refrigeration | Review your area’s building codes |
| Types of HVAC systems | Learn government HVAC regulations |
| How HVAC systems work | Learn work safety procedures |
| Sizing units for cubic space | Contracts for HVAC Service |
| How to diagnose problems | Working with HVAC customers |
| How to maintain HVAC | Leadership at work |
Certifications Needed for HVAC Work
In most areas of the United States, certification is required to work as an HVAC Technician. Typically, completing a written exam is required to obtain the needed certification. To prepare, there are Associate’s Degree programs for HVAC training. In those training systems, it usually takes two years to graduate. Trade school HVAC programs offer a faster route, with accelerated training, like the one at Summit College. You can complete your HVAC training in this school in only 9 months. Upon graduation, you will have an EPA certificate.
Related: How to Prepare for the EPA 608 Universal Certification
Job Outlook in California for HVAC Professionals
For HVAC installation, maintenance, and repair, homeowners and business owners call an HVAC technician. So, HVAC service professionals are always in high demand for existing equipment service work and new installations for residential and commercial construction. That makes HVAC an attractive career choice throughout the United States and globally.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment growth rate for HVAC service technicians is as high as the national average for all other fields.
- Jobs for qualified HVAC technicians are anticipated to grow by 5% through 2031.
- Expanding U.S. residential and commercial construction throughout the country is expected to continue generating jobs for trained and certified HVAC technicians.
Frequently Asked Questions About HVAC Training and Careers
For answers to all of your questions about HVAC school, just contact the enrollment department at Summit College. In the meantime, here are answers to a few of the most common questions about training and working in the HVAC industry:
Are there many jobs for HVAC technicians?
Yes, HVAC technicians are in very high demand throughout the United States. With new home and business construction and remodeling bustling, HVAC is a growing field of employment.
WHY CHOOSE SUMMIT COLLEGE?
Are you ready to start your training to become an HVAC technician in California? You can finish HVAC school in just 9 months. The HVAC Technician program at Summit College will prepare you to find a job after graduation or start your own HVAC service business using the skills you have learned. Ask about financial aid!
For more information about HVAC training or to schedule a tour of the campus, call Summit College at (888) 504-2552, or contact us for help.
