Heating and Cooling Technicians

Employers

Approximately 441,200 heating and cooling technicians are employed in the United States. While most technicians work directly with the building, installation, and maintenance of equipment via heating and cooling firms, some work in equipment sales. Other technicians work for manufacturers in engineering or research laboratories, utility companies, and consulting firms. Some large institutions such as hospitals, universities, factories, office complexes, and sports arenas employ heating and cooling technicians directly, maintaining their own climate-control staffs. Some technicians also open up their own businesses, either as heating and cooling contractors or consultants specializing in sales, parts supply, service, and installation.

Starting Out

Many students in two-year programs work at a job related to their area of training during the summer between the first and second years. Their employers may hire them on a part-time basis during the second year and make offers of full-time employment after graduation. Even if such a job offer cannot be made, the employer may be aware of other companies that are hiring and help the student with suggestions and recommendations, provided the student's work record is good.

Some schools make work experience part of the curriculum, particularly during the latter part of their program. This is a valuable way for students to gain practical experience in conjunction with classroom work.

It is not unusual for graduates of two-year programs to receive several offers of employment, either from contacts they have made themselves or from companies that routinely recruit new graduates. Representatives of larger companies often schedule interview periods at schools with two-year air-conditioning, refrigeration, and heating technician programs. Other, usually smaller, prospective employers may contact specific faculty advisers who in turn make students aware of opportunities that arise.

In addition to using their schools' job placement services, resourceful students can independently explore other leads by applying directly to local heating and cooling contractors; sales, installation, and service shops; or manufacturers of air-conditioning, refrigeration, and heating equipment. State employment offices may also post openings or provide job leads. Finally, student membership in the local chapter of a trade association, such as one of those listed at the end of this article, will often result in good employment contacts.