HVAC

Description

HVAC service technicians install, assemble, fabricate, maintain, repair and troubleshoot mechanical piping systems. These piping systems are most often carrying fuel, chemicals, water, steam and air through various types of heating, cooling, lubricating, and process piping systems. Pipefitters are employed in the maintenance departments of power stations, refineries, offshore installations, factories and similar establishments, by pipefitting contractors.

Training Programs

Five years of training are needed to become a journeyman HVAC service Technician.

Apprentice training programs are affiliated with local community colleges. Apprentices can earn academic credits towards an Associate Degree plan.

HVAC programs are approved by the Mechanical Contractors Association of Texas and by the local training organizations associated with MCA. Please see their contact information below.

Qualifications

Applicants must

• Present evidence of high school graduation or GED
• Take a math test to demonstrate proficiency in basic math skills.

Application Procedures

Most programs last for 5 years. Training Program offerings will vary by location. Generally, some programs may require participants to attend classes two nights per week during 16 week periods. Many of the training programs listed on this web page accept applications for spring and fall semester classes.

What it Takes

In addition to the formal, on the job and hands-on training, these jobs require someone to like working with their hands, enjoy solving problems, are self-motivated, and have strong work ethics.

Financial Aid

Many of the training programs listed are “earn while you learn.” Often, employers will pay for night training, and the apprentice receives paid on-the-job training during daytime.

Typical Annual Gross Pay In Texas

First year apprentice wages vary by location within the State, in the range of $14 – 18/hour; Journeyman wages vary by location within the State of Texas, in the range of $28 – 34/hour.

Other Information

Contacts

Mechanical Contractors Associations of Texas
Glenn Rex
Executive Director
281-440-4380
5629 FM 1960 West, Suite 354, Houston, Texas 77069
glenn@mcatexas.org

The training facilities for HVAC programs are listed below. They operate under the Bureau of Apprentice Training, U S Department of Labor and are administered by staff that are employed and directed by labor and management committees in Texas.