Training to become an HVAC technician is a safe and smart investment. In 2018, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projected a 13% job growth outlook, which is much faster than the national average. Furthermore, more than 91% of HVAC graduates go on to rewarding careers within their first year of graduation. Since cooling and heating devices that regulate the temperature and air quality are critical to indoor comfort, and many food items need refrigeration to prevent spoilage, it is easy to understand why the BLS lists HVAC/R among the fastest growing industries.
If you’re willing to learn and have some mechanical aptitude, you might consider becoming an apprentice with a local contractor. An apprenticeship can run anywhere from two to four years. While it might be ideal for visual learning, you might want to reinforce your hands-on learning with some sort of formal education. An alternative to an apprenticeship is to enroll in an HVAC/R program and complete formal education with project-based experiences in ten to twelve months. Occupational centers in Los Angeles are open to high school students who might want to get a jump start on their learning and acquire a skill (at no extra cost) while enrolled in high school. Accredited programs offered at occupational centers and community colleges prepare students for EPA certification as well as other third-party certifications.
Capstone College
Capstone College’s HVAC Training Classes prepares students with skills to function competently in both residential and commercial areas of the HVAC industry. Students will receive hands-on training in the use of modern equipment so they can transition seamlessly to a real-world setting. Course titles include HVAC Trade Orientation, Safety First Aid, Construction Math, HVAC Fundamentals, HVAC Tools, Materials, and Supplies, EPA Refrigerant Certification, HVAC Theory, Brazing and Soldering, Sheet Metal Installation, and Refrigerants and Charging Techniques. At the conclusion of the coursework, students will be able to install, maintain, and service HVAC/R systems. Graduates will be qualified for employment as an entry-level technician in residential, HVAC service companies, and much more. Day and night classes are offered to meet students’ needs.
Program overview:
HVAC Technician Training
Duration: 30 weeks (daytime) 48 weeks (evening)
Contact hours: 750
Quarter credits: 56.5
Prerequisites:
- Complete an application for admission and an enrollment agreement
- Attend an interview with an Admissions Representative
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Must have a high school diploma or equivalent
Program cost:
The cost of the program is $14,800 including the registration fee of $100, books, supplies, and EPA certification.
Website: http://capstonecollege.edu/hvac-technician/
Address: 1200 N. Fair Oaks Ave., Suite 32, Pasadena, CA 91103
Phone: 626-486-1000
Los Angeles Trade Technical College
Los Angeles Trade-Technical College offers an Associate of Science degree in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanics as well as a Certificate of Achievement. Theory and hands-on coursework provide students with the skills to repair, maintain, and install heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration systems. Course topics include refrigeration fundamentals, indoor air quality, fundamentals of D.C. electricity, electrical mathematics, compression systems of refrigeration, fundamentals of alternating current, principles and practices of electrical circuits and controls, serving, refrigerant management, and gas heating systems. Hands-on activities will cover electrical controls, compressor installation and repair, piping installation, and other skills. Graduates will be prepared for a career in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. Day and evening classes are available.
Program overview:
Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanics – Certificate of Achievement
Duration: 30 weeks (daytime) 48 weeks (evening)
Contact hours: 750
Course units: 48
Prerequisites:
- Submit a completed application online
- Sign an enrollment agreement
- Complete an admissions interview and campus tour
- Submit proof of completing high school or equivalent
- Must be at least 18 years of age
Program cost:
The program fee is approximately $1,854. Books and supplies cost an additional $1,620.
Website: http://www.lattc.edu/
Address: 400 West Washington Blvd, Los Angeles 90015
Phone: (213) 763-7000
Fax: (213) 763-5393
NIU College
Students enrolled in the HVAC program at NIU College will gain hands-on skills needed to work as an entry-level HVAC technician, Heating Technician, Air Conditioning Technician, or General Technician. Courses will include Theory of Heat, Electric Motors, Basic Automatic Controls, Commercial Refrigeration, Heating and Humidification, All Weather Systems, Domestic Appliances, Chilled Water A/C Systems, EPA Cert Prep, Career Development, and Externship. NIU offers cutting edge classes, flexible schedules, small class sizes, scholarship opportunities, affordable tuition, and supportive instructors. Graduates have the option to apply for third party certification and EPA certification. Day classes meet Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm. Afternoon classes meet Monday through Friday from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Evening classes meet Monday through Friday from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
Program overview:
HVAC/R Technology
Duration: 44 weeks
Contact hours: 960
Prerequisites:
- Submit a completed application for admission
- Sign an enrollment agreement
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent or pass an admission assessment
Program cost:
The program cost of $9,994 includes registration, books, supplies, and tuition. The registration fee of $75 is non-refundable.
Website: https://www.niu-college.com/hvacr-technology/
Address: 5959 Topanga Canyon Blvd. Suite 110, Woodland Hills, CA 91367
Phone: 818-347-9400
Email: info@niu-college.com
SoCal ROC
The HVAC/R program at SoCal ROC aims to equip students with fundamental skills in mechanical and electrical systems. Content is primarily delivered through hands-on experiences in residential and commercial ventilation and emphasizes the generation and modification of electricity for HVAC systems. Instructors will cover principles of wiring according to the National Electrical Code (NEC), installing and servicing ventilation and refrigeration systems, and troubleshooting refrigeration systems. Students will be prepared for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) exam to obtain an EPA license. High school students and adults may enroll in the program. Evening classes meet from 6:45 to 9:45 pm. An afternoon class that meets from 12:45 pm to 3:45 pm is also available.
Program overview:
HVAC/R Technology
Duration: 12 months
Clock hours: 540
Prerequisites:
- Visit the Center in person to register for the course
- There are no prerequisites for admission
- Adults must pay the non-refundable registration fee of $25
Program cost:
The program is free for eligible high school students. Fees for adults range from $250 to $4,500. Additional costs for books, uniforms, and materials will apply.
Website: https://www.socalroc.com/course-offerings/hvac-heating-ventilation-air-conditioning-ii
Address: 2300 Crenshaw Blvd., Torrance, CA 90501 U.S.
Phone: 310-224-4200
Abram Friedman Occupational Center
The HVAC program offered by the Abram Friedman Occupational Center is a sequence of three courses that provide students with project-based activities in residential and commercial heating systems. The first sequence covers trade mathematics, resource management, and troubleshooting and maintenance. HVAC II covers the generation and modification of electricity for HVAC systems, wiring principles as outlined by NEC, and operational techniques for ventilation and refrigeration systems. HVAC III covers workplace safety procedures, installation of subsystems and components, troubleshooting techniques for PV system malfunctions, and exploration of local, national and global markets for PV systems. Morning and evening schedules are offered.
Program overview:
HVAC/R I, II, III
Duration: 12 months
Clock hours: 540
Prerequisites:
- Submit an application for admission online
- There are no prerequisites for admission
- Adults must pay the non-refundable registration fee of $25
Program cost:
The cost of the three courses in the sequence is $100. Additional costs for books, uniforms, and materials will apply.
Website: https://abramfriedmanoc.org/industrial-programs-new/
Address: 1646 S. Olive St. Los Angeles, 90015
Phone: (213) 765-2400
Email: afoc9039@gmail.com
Brownson Technical School
Graduates of Brownson Technical School’s HVAC program have the knowledge and skills to commence a rewarding career in the profession. Students will receive extensive hands-on training in a range of equipment as they diagnose, troubleshoot, service, and repair air conditioning, refrigeration, and heating systems, install new systems, and assess building performance. Modules include Basic Thermodynamics, Refrigeration and Copper Works, Safety, Customer Service, and Basic HVAC/R Competency Review, Commercial Refrigeration, Direct Digital Controls, Building Performance, Controls, Heat Pumps, Ice Machines and EPA, and Residential and light Commercial Air Conditioning and Gas Heat. Certification testing for Section 608 EPA is included in the program. Day classes meet Monday through Thursday from 8:00 am to 2:30 pm. Evening classes meet Monday through Wednesday from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
Program overview:
HVAC/R Technician
Duration: 40 weeks (daytime) 88 weeks (evening)
Clock hours: 1040
Semester credit hours: 40
Prerequisites:
- Attend an admissions interview
- Submit an application for admission
- Submit documentation of high school education or equivalent
- Submit Ability to be Training entrance exam results – for applicants who have not completed high school
- Attend an orientation session
- Sign the enrollment agreement
Program cost:
The total program cost is $17,220. It includes tuition ($15,600), books, supplies, lab fee, EPA test, OSHA certification, uniform fee, and optional tools.
Website: https://brownson.edu/
Address: 1110 Technology Circle, Suite D, Anaheim, CA 92805
Phone: 714-774-9443