Careers Prospects for Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Technicians

The need for proper heating and cooling systems in residential, commercial and industrial settings is constant. However, these mechanical systems don’t last forever once they are installed. There is a constant need for troubleshooting, repairing, maintenance and servicing these systems to keep them functioning properly. Further, these systems need to be replaced with the new ones after a few years. In addition to this, heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems also need to be installed in newly constructed buildings. 

There is already a great demand for heating, refrigeration and air-conditioning technicians. And with the construction of new buildings, it is further increasing. The job prospects are bright and there are no chances for this career to become obsolete. However, HVAC systems in the coming years may be more advanced and technicians working on them will have to upgrade their knowledge and skills, in order to be able to work on technically advanced systems.

Although the job prospects are better than ever but the job market has grown fiercely competitive. Aspiring technicians need to have undergone a formal education to develop a thorough understanding of the heating, cooling, ventilation and air-conditioning systems, to seek decent paying jobs. While this is the basic criterion to enter the world of work, practical experience can help individuals avail more advanced career opportunities. 

There are already a number of job options available for HVAC technicians. They can be employed in the areas of design and engineering, such as development of cooling systems or units, equipment selection to meet the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, checking efficiency standards for heating equipment and applying the best installation and service techniques. They can also find employment in the areas of design, technical support, sales and service and maintenance and installation of HVAC systems in residential, commercial and industrial settings. 

Skills Required for Becoming a Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Technician

Great strides are being made in heating, refrigeration and air-conditioning technology. Therefore, aspiring technicians need to undergo a formal education to build a career in this field. Completing post-secondary education in refrigeration, heating and air-conditioning technician is the basic requirement to enter the world of work.

A program in refrigeration, heating and air-conditioning technician offers students a broad knowledge of the design, installation and service techniques of air-conditioning and heating systems for commercial and residential settings. They also learn to select and size equipment for refrigeration and air conditioning application. 

Students also need to have hands-on practical in order to put their classroom learning into practice. The course, along with theoretical learning, also incorporates hands-on laboratory to provide students with practical training.

Choosing the Right Course

A number of Canadian colleges provide heating, refrigeration and air conditioning courses. However, not all are accredited. Moreover, they may not offer students the opportunities to have hands-on lab, which is a necessary condition to seek employment. 

Centennial College’s two-year post-secondary program in air-conditioning, heating and refrigeration is one of the most prestigious programs in Ontario. The program is designed in a way that students acquire a broad knowledge of the working of HVAC systems. To apply for this program, students will need a secondary school diploma or equivalent, and scores in English Grade 12 C or University or equivalent and Mathematics Grade 11 M or 12 C or University or equivalent.