HVAC/R (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration)

In the Capital Region and beyond, opportunities abound for HVAC/R technicians, with available jobs outnumbering the number of trained technicians. The HVAC/R program at the Albany campus gives students a solid career foundation. In a state-of-the art classroom, students learn about ventilation, piping, refrigerants and refrigeration, furnaces and boilers.

Students also have the opportunity to test their skills and knowledge at competitions held by SkillsUSA, a national organization of career and technical students. Competitions are held at the local, regional, state and national levels. Successful HVAC/R students have also been awarded scholarships to further their education.

Professional Certification:
Students completing the HVAC/R program are prepared to test for federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certification, which is required to work in the industry. They also may earn Home Builders Institute and HVAC Excellence certification. Many students continue their education in college.

Career information is available at www. acca.org and www.rses.org.

video:

view a videoclip of hvac students in action

Career Opportunities:

Service technician
Business owner
Salesperson
Factory representative
Distributor representative
Maintenance supervisor
Service manager
Specifying engineer
Installer
Plumber

Units of Study:

Furnaces
Steam boilers
Gas burners, oil burners & controls
Residential air conditioning
Domestic & commercial refrigeration
Integrated science (1st year students)
Integrated English (2nd year students)

Portfolio:

All seniors create a portfolio which they present to teachers, administrators, peers and/or industry professionals. The portfolio includes employability information and exemplary work in technical and communication skills that students have created and developed over the course of the year.

Academic Prerequisites:

Strong math, science and English skills are preferred, as are a good attendance record and positive attitude.

Post-Secondary Education:

Post-secondary education in HVAC/R is available through one-, two- and four-year college programs. Specialized training is also available at technical schools or through apprenticeships, and some employers pay for such education. Increased levels of education and training can lead to higher levels of employment and salary.

Articulation Agreements / College Credits:

Hudson Valley Community College
SUNY Delhi
University of Northwestern Ohio
Pima Community College, Tucson, AZ

[4/22/10]