When you consider your future, do you picture years of schooling leading to an eventual career path, or do you want a real career, now? Only you can decide what is best for you, but if are motivated to get the training you need and get started in your new career in a matter of months, not years, then you should consider a career as an Electrician or an HVAC Technician. Electricians and HVAC technicians are highly trained, skilled tradespeople with specialized, technical knowledge. Like other careers in the trades, demand for Electricians and HVAC technicians is high and jobs are plentiful. Here are five reasons why you should consider a rewarding career in the trades as an HVAC technician or Electrician.
- You can get to work without a 4 year degree.
At IBT, we understand that the “traditional” path -- four or more years of schooling, racking up student loans and debt, maybe-maybe not being able to find a well-paying job -- is not for everyone. After all, many graduates from 4-year universities struggle to pay off thousands of dollars in student loans, and many find they cannot easily find a job in their chosen career path. But students who choose to pursue career training from a school such as IBT don’t have to wait four years to begin their new careers. With training as an Electrician or HVAC Tech from an accredited, industry-recognized program such as IBT’s, you can begin your new career in less than one year!
- You won’t struggle to find a job.
Electricians and HVAC technicians are in demand more today than ever, and jobs are plentiful in today’s labor market. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, job growth for Electricians is growing at a rate of 9% annually. This growth will account for almost 60,000 new jobs by 2026 (BLS).
Employment growth in the HVAC industry is even stronger -- an astonishing 15% annually (BLS). Significantly higher than average, this rapid growth indicates there is numerous and varied opportunities in this industry. HVAC Techs can be employed by HVAC companies, mechanical contractors, private business and government entities. HVAC Techs do not just work on construction sites, but more often work in the repair and maintenance of existing HVAC systems- in everything from private homes to large-scale commercial businesses, hospitals to high-tech data centers, server rooms and beyond.
- You can make a good living.
Both trades pay above average- more than $45,000 annually for each of the professions. For Electricians, the median pay nationally was $54,110 per year in 2017 (BLS). HVAC Techs, earned slightly little less, $47,080 per year (BLS). Most Electricians and HVAC technicians work full time, but part-time workers also earn a high hourly rate: Electricians earned $26.01 per hour in 2017, HVAC Techs earned $22.64. These numbers represent averages, however, and there is great variety in pay in both of these trades. Years of experience, industry certifications, specialty knowledge and skills, and geographic location all contribute to determining the level of pay for these jobs. Overall, both Electricians and HVAC Techs earn a solid living doing technical, hands-on work.
- You can work where you want to live.
Whether you choose to pursue a career as an HVAC technician or an Electrician, you’ll be pleased to find that these careers are in demand across the country. No matter where you are, people need skilled technicians to perform electrical work and repair and to service their air conditioning and heating units. Florida, California, Texas, New York, and Pennsylvania are the top-employing states for these trades, but no matter where you live, you’ll find HVAC and Electrical careers.
- You’ll learn specialized skills.
Electricians and HVAC technicians are skilled tradespeople with specialized knowledge and a specific set of skills most people don’t have. Working in these trades requires both strong physical labor and intelligent problem solving. Both Electricians and HVAC technicians work daily to solve complex issues that require critical thinking and expertise. A career in these trades is one in which you will continually learn and grow on the job.
If a career as an Electrician or HVAC technician sounds appealing to you, the first step is to attend a training program at an accredited institution like IBT. At IBT, students are prepared with the knowledge and skills necessary for entry-level employment in their fields. All programs at IBT use hands-on, practical training techniques and are taught by industry professionals with years of experience. Students in the Electrician program learn electrical code, wiring installation, conduit bending, motors and transformer systems, as well as manual and electric industrial controls, and more. Upon graduation from the Electrician program, students are prepared to test for and obtain their State of California Electrician Trainee (ET) certification.
Similarly, students in the HVAC program learn to install, service, and repair both residential and commercial air conditioning, heating, and refrigeration systems and maintain EPA regulations when troubleshooting and repairing residential and commercial equipment. Students not only learn how to work with temperature control systems, air quality systems, humidity and refrigeration systems, but also basic electrical theory and controls, basic plumbing, and welding and soldering using oxy acetylene torches. Graduates of IBT’s HVAC program are prepared to test for the industry-recognized ESCO EPA certification.
If you are ready to work hard and get the training you need to be qualified to immediately enter the workforce and begin a successful career, then don’t wait any longer -- Call IBT today! Call (800) 915-3562 to speak with one of our helpful, friendly admissions representatives. Or schedule a tour of our modern facility in Santa Clara, California. At IBT, we specialize in helping students like you realize their career dreams. Make it happen with IBT today!