In the modern era, the use of technology has reached a whole new level. In order to cope with it, you need to have ample knowledge regarding technology. Such is the knowledge of the HVAC industry. In this guide, we will walk you through some of the best HVAC schools in Jacksonville, Florida.
Requirements to Be an HVAC Technician in Jacksonville, FL
To become an HVAC professional in the state of Florida, there are certain requirements that need to be fulfilled. The Department of Business and Professional Regulation is responsible for setting forth these various requirements and guidelines.
The major requirement to be a certified HVAC professional is the licensing requirement.
HVAC Certification License
This licensing requirement generally involves a certification provided by the HVAC governing body of the state. The certification means that the HVAC professional is trained and qualified enough to operate in that particular state. These operations might include HVAC unit installation or various other repair tasks. You can become certified once you pass the professional knowledge HVAC test.
Moreover, there are various perks of becoming HVAC certified. However, certain requirements are to be fulfilled. These include:
- Get a high school diploma or GED equivalent
- Obtaining an HVAC certificate from an accredited school or program of the particular state
- Receiving your HVAC license for the state where you plan to work
- Passing various HVAC exams
Types of HVAC Certificates
There are different types of HVAC EPA certificates that you can obtain. Some of them include:
- EPA Type I Certification – Applicable for servicing small appliances
- EPA Type II Certification – Applicable for servicing High Pressure Systems
- EPA Type III Certification – Applicable on Low Pressure Systems
- Universal EPA Certificate
- North American Technician Excellence (NATE)
Salary and Job Outlook in Jacksonville, FL
The state of Florida provides a great opportunity to HVAC technicians looking for a competitive and indulging environment. This is why Florida offers better salary packages as compared to other states.
Salary Package
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, being an HVAC technician, you can earn some good money. Precisely, HVAC technicians usually earn a median income of $43,640 annually. However, these figures can vary. The top 10 percent of the technicians might earn as high as $68,000 annually.
Job Outlook
It is predicted that the jobs available in Florida would increase by over 30% in the upcoming years. This can be particularly due to the advent of modern technology and the requirement of HVAC professionals possessing that knowledge.
There are more than 1000 job openings in the state of Florida alone! The amount of money you make depends on the city you are working in. It typically varies from city to city; however, there is not a significant difference in income.
Some of the highest paying cities in Florida include Boca Raton ($42,389), Miami ($42,236), Fort Lauderdale ($41,578), Hollywood, and Pompano Beach (around $41,578).
Therefore, Florida might be a great choice to start your HVAC career. Salary packages are decent, while the job outlook seems promising.
List of the Top HVAC Schools in Jacksonville, FL
Florida hosts some of the top HVAC schools in the United States. That being said, they provide a great opportunity for individuals like you to go and prove their metal. A wide range of programs paired with some highly qualified staff ensures a successful HVAC career. In this section, we will be discussing some of the top HVAC schools in Jacksonville, Florida.
Florida State College at Jacksonville
Our Review of the Program
Florida State College at Jacksonville is one of the best HVAC schools in the United States. Offering more than 150 programs, Florida State College is a dream-come-true for anyone who would like to pursue a career in the HVAC industry.
Offering a wide range of educational programs and certificates, Florida State College is your go-to option. The college promises hands-on training in all aspects of air conditioning, heating, and refrigeration. On the other hand, the students are able to achieve the necessary skills required for success.
Florida State College offers two workforce certificates associated with HVAC training: the Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning/Refrigeration I and II. These certificates ensure you achieve the highest level of adequate skill and expertise to perform HVAC tasks efficiently and effectively.
Starting from classroom setup to the application of theories in real-time is what Florida State College is all about. Learning about theories of air conditioning, heating, refrigeration, and electrical systems, students are able to gain ample knowledge. As a result, they obtain hands-on training in piping, brazing techniques, setup, adjustments, and various troubleshooting options.
Tulsa Welding School
Our Review of the Program
Tulsa Welding School has a high reputation for preparing students in the field of refrigeration and HVAC. The 7-month curriculum of Tulsa Welding School is directed towards delivering hands-on training and knowledge regarding these fields. The program also focuses on providing knowledge on the fundamentals of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, climate control, and refrigeration technologies (HVACR).
Once you graduate, you have an opportunity to enter the workforce as a refrigeration and maintenance technician. You are also able to explore jobs that primarily focus on HVAC technician maintenance and services.
The Tulsa Welding School offers the Refrigeration Technologies program that can be completed within 7 months. Offering flexible class hours, the location of the school is breath-taking. Your HVAC classes will be hosted in Jacksonville, Florida, Texas, or Houston, which provide astounding natural beauty and glamorous outlook.
Hence, you will be able to handle refrigeration or HVAC technician projects quite effectively. In addition, the program also trains you for modern refrigeration technologies like solar and green technologies.
All in all, the Tulsa Welding School is a great platform to start your HVAC career. Not only do they have trained professionals, but there’s also a dissolving environment for high-quality education.
Florida Career College
Our Review of the Program
The Florida Career College is, without a doubt, an exemplary platform for ideal studies. With more than 35 years of industrial experience, Florida Career College can play a significant role in shaping your life goals and career. The professional and highly-supportive faculty helps you achieve your goals in challenging times. This college not only helps you find the right career but also a potential employer once you graduate.
While offering a wide range of different programs, it also offers a great opportunity for you to prosper. Some of the major fields being offered are healthcare, trades, business, and IT education.
It also promises financial aid to anyone who qualifies. That means that finances won’t be a hurdle to your success anymore. Talking about educational experience, most of your time would be spent in classroom and lab facilities. The comprehensive vocational programs offer you smaller workgroups, which allows increased individual attention.
Additionally, most of the programs include an externship, which allows you to gain hands-on experience while working in a real-time environment.
The career services team offers great reliability, whether you are an existing or former student. From resume writing, mock interviews to everything in between, the career services team helps you in every possible way. They also have connections with local employers who hire you once you graduate.
UA Local 234
Our Review of the Program
The UA Local 234 excels in four primary fields. These include HVAC, pipefitting, plumbing, and welding. Their technicians are capable of installing, maintaining, and repairing all sizes of heating and cooling systems designed for the residential or commercial sector. Since the technicians work on systems on a daily basis, they have the expertise and skills to acknowledge the problem.
In addition, for nearly 115 years, they have been providing some of the best steamfitters/pipefitters to meet modern needs. It is simply because of the state-of-the-art training this institute offers to its members. These include the latest certifications, instructions in cutting-edge technologies, and providing knowledge about new trends in the industry.
The United Association also provides a number of skilled plumbers that are highly trained and skilled individuals. They possess the best and safest skills for working in the building industry. Contractors and members are usually indulged in plumbing, installation, repair, service, and maintenance of piping and plumbing systems. They are also involved in various technical installations and water-related systems.
Moreover, keeping in view the modern trends in the building and construction industry, UA also provides welding certifications. These include general and site-specific training that allows you to develop as a quality welder.
All American Technician Academy
Our Review of the Program
The All American Technician Academy is solely built for one purpose: focusing on developing the technicians in the home service industry. This institute offers high-quality training and expertise to develop sound technicians to handle any situation. Partnering with HVAC entrepreneurs all over the world, they promise expert level training and leadership coaching.
The faculty is highly trained and professional to deliver all the relevant information to ambitious individuals for a prosperous future. They impart technical system knowledge to empower their members to handle and manage difficult tasks.
The primary purpose of this institute is to develop technical competence and confidence in each of their technician. They do so by providing all the training and knowledge from entry-level to expert level. Since the institute excels in HVAC, they offer reliable knowledge and training in the field.
Now, you can get certified by enrolling yourself in one of the most amazing and highly competent institutes of Florida. Not only does it pave your way for a bright future, but it also opens new roads to success.
Conclusion
Obtaining hands-on experience and high-quality HVAC knowledge requires competitive apprenticeship and training. Only then, you have a high probability of building a successful career. Similarly, it is crucial to be certified. It would not only help you get a better job, but it will also open more options in the future.