Tag Archives: Accredited Local HVAC Trade Schools near Pembroke GA 31321

Heating Training Pembroke GA

How to Find the Right HVAC Certification Course near Pembroke Georgia

air conditioner condensers in Pembroke GANow that you have come to a decision on a career as a heating and air conditioner technician, the next step is to choose an HVAC trade school near Pembroke GA. But with so many to pick from, how do you pick the ideal one to get the training that you need? Some potential students will make their selection based entirely on the cost of tuition or how close the school is to their residence. While these are important factors to consider, they are not the only ones to take into account. Some of the other factors that you need to investigate are the graduation completion rates of the HVAC schools, their reputations, and if they are accredited by professional trade organizations. These and additional criteria will be discussed in more detail later in this article. But before we tackle how to pick an HVAC vocational school, let’s take a look at what a heating and a/c technician does to become a licensed professional tradesman.

How to Become an HVAC Technician

Pembroke GA HVAC Tech installing water heaterHVAC is an acronym that is frequently used in the trade that stands for “Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning”. HVAC contractors specialize in the installation, repair and maintenance of central air conditioners, furnaces, boilers, water heaters and heating systems. As skilled tradesmen, they are commonly mandated to be licensed, however each state and regional municipality has its own prerequisites. Earning professional certification is not mandatory, but an optional way for Pembroke GA HVAC specialists to demonstrate that they are exceptionally skilled and knowledgeable in their area of expertise. There are multiple respected certifications within the field that are offered. Below are some of the significant ones.

  • North American Technician Excellence (NATE). NATE is a nationally recognized certification for HVAC techs. The certification is earned by passing a proficiency examination and may be earned in one or more specialties.
  • HVAC Excellence. This certification offers both a professional and a master specialist credential. Two years of professional experience as well as passing a comprehensive examination are required for the professional level certification. Master specialists must have 3 years of experience along with a passing result on the professional level examination. As with NATE, certifications are provided in multiple specialties.
  • EPA Section 608. This certification is required for specialists that work with refrigerants. There are three forms of certification available, one for small appliances, and the other two for low and high pressure refrigerants.

Considering that licensing could be required in your area, and you may also intend to obtain certification, it’s essential that you choose an HVAC vocational school that will train you for both. And since you will probably be working with refrigerants, make certain that the program you decide on preps you for passing the EPA Section 608 exams.

HVAC Degree and Certificate Schools

radiator heater in Pembroke GA homeThere are a number of alternatives available for HVAC instruction in a trade or technical school. You can obtain a certificate, an Associate Degree, or a Bachelor’s Degree. Obtaining a certificate will take the lesser period of time, often achieved in just six months, though some programs are longer. A certificate will train you for most HVAC positions, especially if you are licensed and have certification related to the position. The degree training programs can provide a competitive edge for securing employment and will provide more extensive training than the certificate programs. Below is a short explanation of each option offered near Pembroke GA.

  • Certificate. Usually requiring a high school diploma, certificate programs are preferred among entry level commercial or residential HVAC professionals. They provide a solid foundation of skills for job opportunities within the industry.
  • Associate Degree. The Associate Degree in HVAC program delivers a more comprehensive understanding of heating & cooling systems than the certificate program. Normally requiring 2 years to complete, many degrees include an internship or work-study program.
  • Bachelor’s Degree. The Bachelor’s Degree in HVAC is suited more for a career in management or even business ownership. Some programs call for an Associate Degree, while others are a conventional four year program. In addition to being taught how to service and maintain heating and air conditioning systems, you will also learn how to design them.

Choosing the right credential program will be dependent on what your long term career aspirations are, in addition to the time and money that you have to invest. One approach is to start with a certificate or even an Associate Degree program, and after acquiring some experience in the trade in Pembroke GA, eventually going back to earn a Bachelor’s Degree. If this is your approach, be sure to ask the HVAC technician school you are considering about how their returning student program works.

HVAC Online Schools

Pembroke GA student attending HVAC school onlineAttending an HVAC program online is one option to attaining your training and receiving a degree or certificate. Almost all schools will require some attendance on campus to complete practical training. Some also provide internship or work-study programs in addition to or in place of practical lab work. But since the rest of the classes can be attended via the internet, this option may be a more practical solution for some Pembroke GA students that are pressed for time. And many online degree programs are less costly than other traditional alternatives. Even travelling expenses from Pembroke and study supplies can be minimized, helping to make education more affordable. And a large number of online programs are fully accredited (more on this later). So if your job or family obligations have left you with limited time to attend classes, perhaps an online HVAC degree program will make it more convenient to accommodate school into your hectic schedule.

Questions to Ask HVAC Trade Schools

Questions to ask Pembroke GA HVAC training schoolsWhen you have decided on the type of degree or certificate that you desire to obtain, either on campus or online, you can begin to decrease your list of schools. As you are certainly aware, there are a large number of HVAC trade schools in the Pembroke GA area and across the Country to pick from. That’s why it is very important to have a checklist of relevant qualifications when making school assessments. As previously mentioned in our opening paragraph, tuition and location will most likely be the initial 2 variables you will look at. Following are several additional ones that you will want to explore before enrolling in your school of choice.

Accreditation.  Numerous HVAC technical schools in the Pembroke GA area have attained either a regional or a national accreditation. They may acquire Institutional Accreditation, which involves the school’s programs as a whole, or Programmatic Accreditation, which pertains to a specific program, for example HVAC technology. Confirm that the school is accredited by a U.S. Department of Education acknowledged accrediting agency, such as the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. Along with helping ensure that you receive an excellent education, it can assist in obtaining financial aid or student loans, which are often unavailable for non-accredited programs. Additionally, some states require that the HVAC training program be accredited in order to qualify for licensing.

High Completion Rates.  Ask the Heating and Cooling schools you are considering what their completion rates are. The completion rate is the percentage or portion of students who enroll in and finish the course. A low completion rate may suggest that students were disappointed with the program and quit. It might also mean that the teachers were not competent to instruct the students. It’s also important that the schools have higher job placement rates. Older and/or more reputable schools may have a more extensive list of alumni, which may produce more contacts for the school to use for their apprenticeship and job placement programs. A high job placement rate can not only affirm that the school has an excellent reputation within the industry, but additionally that it has the network of Pembroke GA HVAC employers to assist students obtain apprenticeships or jobs.

Apprenticeship Programs.  Most HVAC trade programs are taught in conjunction with an internship or an apprenticeship program. Those participating vocational and trade schools will help place you in an apprenticeship program within their network of Heating and Cooling companies or trade unions. Ask if the schools you are considering have referring relationships with local Pembroke GA HVAC specialists. An apprenticeship not only provides a rewarding experience by providing hands-on training, but it also furnishes employment opportunities and helps to build relationships in the regional HVAC professional community.

Modern Facilities.  Confirm that the school facilities and the tools that you will be instructed on are up-to-date and what you will be working with in the field. If you are presently in an internship or an apprenticeship, talk to the HVAC specialist you are working under regarding what you should be looking for. If not, ask a local Pembroke GA HVAC company if they can provide some pointers. Additionally bear in mind that unless you can move, the school needs to be within driving distance of your Pembroke GA residence. Remember that if you decide to enroll in an out-of-state school, in addition to moving costs there can be higher tuition charges compared to in-state residents.

Smaller Classes.   It’s desirable that you receive as much one-on-one instruction as possible, which can be difficult in larger classes. Ask if you can sit in on some of the classes so that you can observe how big they are and experience the interaction between teachers and students. Speak to some of the students and get their comments relating to class sizes and instruction. Finally, speak to a few of the teachers and find out what their level of expertise is and what degrees or certifications they hold.

Flexible Scheduling.  Confirm that the class schedules for the programs you are reviewing are flexible enough to fulfill your needs. If you can only go to classes in the evening or on weekends near Pembroke GA, confirm that the programs you are reviewing offer those options. If you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the school you select allows part-time enrollment. Additionally, find out what the policy is to make-up classes should you miss any because of work, illness or family responsibilities.

Considering an HVAC School near Pembroke GA?

Perhaps you are considering enrolling in an HVAC training program in the Pembroke Georgia area.  If so, you may find the following background information about the location of your new school campus both interesting and informative.

Pembroke, Georgia

Pembroke is a small city in Bryan County, Georgia, United States. The population was 2,196 at the 2010 census.[4] The city is the county seat of Bryan County.[5] Pembroke is located approximately 35 miles west of Savannah, GA, and approximately 20 miles south of Statesboro, GA.

Pembroke is located in northern Bryan County at 32°08′24″N 81°37′25″W / 32.139892°N 81.623553°W / 32.139892; -81.623553.[7]U.S. Route 280 passes through the center of the city, leading east 10 miles (16 km) to Interstate 16 and 35 miles (56 km) to Savannah. Claxton is 16 miles (26 km) to the west.

According to the United States Census Bureau, Pembroke has a total area of 7.7 square miles (19.9 km2), of which 7.6 square miles (19.6 km2) is land and 0.077 square miles (0.2 km2), or 1.17%, is water.[4]

Heating Training Pembroke GA

Picking the right HVAC training course is a crucial beginning toward a gratifying career in the heating and air conditioning industry. You originally came to this website because you wanted more information regarding Heating Training. However, as we have discussed in this post, you need to pick an Heating and Cooling vocational school and a degree or certificate program that are both accredited and have exceptional reputations within the HVAC community. Other features to search for are lots of practical training and state-of-the-art facilities. You need to check out each of the schools personally that you are most interested in to tour the campus and talk with both the faculty and current students. Attempt to get a feel for the quality of the instruction and the interaction between them. Also, inquire about scheduling options and whether evening or weekend classes are offered if needed. And remember to inquire about financial aid and student loan options as well. If you ask the appropriate questions as we have outlined in our checklist for assessing schools, you’ll be able to filter your choices so that you can make an informed decision. With the right training, hard work and dedication, you can eventually become a licensed HVAC contractor in Pembroke GA.

More Hot and Cool Locations in Georgia

  • HVAC Technician College Statenville GA
  • Heating and Ventilation Courses Riceboro GA
  • HVAC Courses Programs Rochelle GA
  • Trade School for HVAC Mcdonough GA
  • HVAC Programs Wrens GA
  • HVAC Technician Training Cost Oglethorpe GA
  • Accredited HVAC Schools Newington GA
  • HVAC Certification Schools Hazlehurst GA
  • HVAC Classes Cairo GA
  • School for Air Conditioning and Heating Greensboro GA
  •  

     

    The location could not be found.

     

    Business Results 1 - 10 of 36

    Old Coast Heating & Air Conditioning
    22 Reviews
    Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC, Solar Installation
    Phone:
    2206 Price St, Savannah, GA 31401

    Gordon's Heating & Air
    4 Reviews
    Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC
    Phone:
    Eden, GA 31307

    Canady's Precision Air Conditioning and Heating
    7 Reviews
    Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC
    Phone:
    504 Scott Ct, Richmond Hill, GA 31324

    Peach State Air Conditioning and Refrigeration
    1 Reviews
    Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC, Appliances & Repair
    Phone:
    1500 Red Fern Ln, Statesboro, GA 30461

    Rick's HVAC
    1 Reviews
    Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC, Water Heater Installation/Repair
    Phone:
    95 Creasyville Ln, Brooklet, GA 30415

    JD Mohler Heating & Air Pros
    2 Reviews
    Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC
    Phone:
    150 Thunderbird Dr, Ste 304, Richmond Hill, GA 31324

    Ogeechee Heating & Air
    1 Reviews
    Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC
    Phone:
    1058 Turnpike Rd, Claxton, GA 30417

    Awesome Air
    1 Reviews
    Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC
    Phone:
    Brooklet, GA 30415

    Tri-Star Heating Air & Plumbing
    3 Reviews
    Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC, Appliances & Repair
    Phone:
    1606 Staley Ave, Savannah, GA 31405

    Icebound
    1 Reviews
    Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC
    Phone:
    1030 Hwy 80 W, Ste 867, Pooler, GA 31322