If you are contemplating what trade to pursue there are a few things that you should consider. Heating ventilation and air conditioning mechanics and technicians are in high demand. Well trained mechanics and technicians are hard to come by these days and once you have established yourself in this trade you are not going to want to do anything else with your career. The world is changing and with the changing times comes an industry that is doing its part to become more eco-friendly. With all of these changes comes new technology and new training. Recently trained graduates are hard to come by and a valued asset to a shop and team.
Education
Schooling for heating ventilation and air conditioning can take anywhere from one to three years depending on the program that you are enrolled in. Classes can be taking during the day or in the evening depending on your schedule and can also be taken online or at a local college, university or technical school. The decision is yours. If you choose to take your classes in the evening rather than during the day chance are it might take you a bit longer to complete. The advantage to taking classes during the evening is that it permits you to work during the day.
If you are interested in taking online classes for your heating ventilation and air conditioning certificate and reside in the state of Illinois you have a few choices. Your first choice would be Vatterott College which offers a program in heating ventilation and air conditioning and refrigeration. Your second choice for an online program would be Environmental Technical Institute which offers an in depth program where you could earn your heating, ventilation, air conditioning & refrigeration certificate in 7 months or you can earn your heating, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration & Associated Equipment Certificate in 12 months
Programs are also offered at local colleges, universities and technical schools throughout the state of Illinois. Some of the programs available are listed below:
College of Lake County
19351 W Washington St.
Grayslake, IL 60030-1198
Website: www.clcillinois.edu
Morton College
3801 S Central Ave
Cicero, IL 60804-4398
Website: www.morton.edu
Moraine Valley Community College
9000 W. College Parkway
Palos Hills, IL 60465-0937
Website: www.morainevalley.edu
Triton College
2000 5th Ave
River Grove, IL 60171-1995
Website: www.triton.edu
Salary
The average salary for a heating ventilation and air conditioning mechanic or technician in the state of Illinois is approximately $ 56,000.
