Heating and Cooling Technicians

A student trying to decide on a career in heating and cooling technology may have to base the choice on a variety of indirect evidence. Part-time or summer work is usually not available to high school students because of their lack of the necessary skills and knowledge. It may be possible, however, to arrange field trips to service shops, companies that develop and produce heating and cooling equipment, or other firms concerned with the environmental control field. Such visits can provide a firsthand overview of the day-to-day work. A visit with a local contractor or to a school that conducts a heating and cooling technology training program can also be very helpful. Explore industry associations' Web sites, such as Explore the Trades (https://explorethetrades.org), which provides detailed information on education and careers for heating and cooling technicians, electricians, and plumbers. The HVACR Workplace Development Foundation also offers a helpful Web site, http://careersinhvacr.org/site/1/Home.