How to Choose HVAC Training Courses Brighton IL

How to Pick the Right Heating and Cooling School near Brighton Illinois

air conditioner condensers in Brighton ILNow that you have decided on a career as a heating and air conditioning professional, the next action is to look for an HVAC technical school near Brighton IL. But with so many to pick from, how do you decide on the ideal one to get the training that you require? A number of prospective students will make their decision based exclusively on the cost of tuition or how near the school is to their home. Even though these are important factors to consider, they are not the only ones to investigate. Just some of the other details 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. Those and additional criteria will be addressed in more detail later within this article. But before we discuss how to choose an HVAC training program, let’s look at what a heating and a/c professional does to become a licensed skilled tradesman.

Becoming an HVAC Tech

Brighton IL HVAC Tech installing water heaterHVAC is an acronym that is extensively used in the business that stands for “Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning”. HVAC techs specialize in the installation, repair and maintenance of air conditioners, furnaces, boilers, hot water heaters and heating systems. As professional tradesmen, they are commonly required to be licensed, however every state and regional municipality has its own criteria. Attaining professional certification is not required, but an optional way for Brighton IL HVAC technicians to demonstrate that they are exceptionally skilled and knowledgeable in their area of specialization. There are a number of recognized certifications within the trade that are offered. Following are a few of the important ones.

  • North American Technician Excellence (NATE). NATE is a nationally recognized certification for HVAC techs. The certification is achieved by passing a competency exam and may be earned in one or more specialties.
  • HVAC Excellence. This certification makes available both a professional and a master specialist credential. 2 years of field experience in addition to passing a comprehensive exam are required for the professional level certification. Master specialists need to have 3 years of experience in addition to a passing score on the professional level examination. As with NATE, certifications are made available in several specialties.
  • EPA Section 608. This certification is required for techs that work with refrigerants. There are three forms of certification offered, one for small appliances, and the additional two for low and high pressure refrigerants.

Considering that licensing might be required in your location, and you may also intend to obtain certification, it’s essential that you select an HVAC technical school that will prepare you for both. And since you will most likely be handling refrigerants, make sure that the program you decide on readies you for passing the EPA Section 608 exams.

HVAC Certificate and Degree Courses

radiator heater in Brighton IL homeThere are a number of choices available for HVAC training in a trade or technical school. You can earn a certificate, an Associate Degree, or a Bachelor’s Degree. Obtaining a certificate will take the minimum period of time, usually achieved in just 6 months, however some courses are longer. A certificate will train you for the majority of HVAC positions, particularly if you are licensed and have certification applicable to the position. The degree programs might provide a competitive edge for securing employment and will deliver more in-depth training than the certificate programs. Following is a short description of each option offered near Brighton IL.

  • Certificate. Normally requiring a high school diploma, certificate programs are very popular among entry level commercial or residential HVAC specialists. They furnish a solid foundation of skills for job opportunities within the trade.
  • Associate Degree. The Associate Degree in HVAC program supplies a more comprehensive understanding of heating & cooling systems than the certificate program. Typically requiring 2 years to finish, some degrees include an internship or work-study program.
  • Bachelor’s Degree. The Bachelor’s Degree in HVAC is suited more towards a career in management or even business ownership. Some programs require an Associate Degree, while others are a standard 4 year program. In addition to being taught how to service and maintain heating and cooling systems, you will also study how to design them.

Choosing the right credential program will be based on what your long term career aspirations are, together with the time and money that you have to commit. One possibility is to start with a certificate or perhaps an Associate Degree program, and after getting some experience in the trade in Brighton IL, later going back to earn a Bachelor’s Degree. If this is your tactic, make certain to ask the HVAC technician school you are looking at about how their returning student program works.

HVAC Online Training

Brighton IL student attending HVAC school onlineAttending an HVAC school online is one possibility to getting your training and receiving a certificate or degree. Nearly all schools will require some attendance on campus to participate in practical training. A number also provide internship or work-study programs in addition to or in place of practical lab work. But since the remainder of the classes may be attended via the internet, this alternative may be a more convenient solution for many Brighton IL students that are pressed for time. And a number of online degree programs are less costly than other on campus choices. Even commuting expenses from Brighton and study supplies may be lessened, helping to make schooling more economical. And many online schools are fully accredited (more on this later). So if your work or family responsibilities have left you with minimal time to attend classes, perhaps an online HVAC degree program will make it more convenient to fit school into your busy schedule.

What to Ask HVAC Training Programs

Questions to ask Brighton IL HVAC training schoolsWhen you have selected 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 many HVAC trade schools in the Brighton IL area and all over the United States to choose from. That’s why it is imperative to have a checklist of key qualifications when making school assessments. As earlier mentioned in our opening paragraph, location and tuition will probably be the initial two variables you will consider. Following are some additional ones that you will want to investigate before enrolling in your school of choice.

Accreditation.  Numerous HVAC trade programs in the Brighton IL area have acquired either a regional or a national accreditation. They may receive Institutional Accreditation, which focuses on the school’s programs as a whole, or Programmatic Accreditation, which pertains to an individual program, for instance HVAC technology. Make certain that the program is accredited by a U.S. Department of Education recognized accrediting agency, such as the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. In addition to helping make certain that you receive a superior education, it may help in acquiring financial aid or student loans, which are in many cases unavailable for non-accredited schools. Furthermore, some states require that the HVAC training course be accredited in order to qualify for licensing.

High Completion Rates.  Ask the HVAC schools you are reviewing what their completion rates are. The completion rate is the portion or percentage of students who enroll in and complete the program. A lower completion rate may indicate that students were unhappy with the course and dropped out. It may also signify that the teachers were not qualified to train the students. It’s similarly essential that the schools have higher job placement rates. Older and/or more reputable schools may have a more extensive directory of graduates, which can produce more contacts for the school to utilize for their apprenticeship and job placement programs. A high job placement rate will not only confirm that the school has a good reputation within the trade, but additionally that it has the network of Brighton IL HVAC employers to assist students obtain apprenticeships or employment.

Apprenticeship Programs.  Numerous HVAC technical programs are taught in conjunction with an apprenticeship or an internship program. Those participating vocational and technical schools will help place you in an apprenticeship program inside their network of Heating and Cooling businesses or trade unions. Check if the schools you are reviewing have referring partnerships with local Brighton IL HVAC companies. An apprenticeship not only provides a rewarding experience by furnishing practical training, but it also furnishes employment opportunities and helps to form relationships in the local HVAC professional community.

Modern Facilities.  Make sure that the campus facilities and the equipment that you will be trained on are state-of-the-art and what you will be using on the job. If you are currently in an internship or an apprenticeship, check with the HVAC specialist you are working under regarding what you should be expecting. Otherwise, ask a local Brighton IL HVAC contractor if they can provide some pointers. Also bear in mind that unless you are able to relocate, the school must be within commuting distance of your Brighton IL residence. Remember that if you decide to attend an out-of-state school, besides the added relocation costs there can be higher tuition fees compared to in-state residents.

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

Flexible Scheduling.  Confirm that the class schedules for the schools you are evaluating are flexible enough to fulfill your needs. If you are only able to go to classes at night or on weekends near Brighton IL, confirm that the programs you are considering offer those options. If you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure that the school you select allows part-time enrollment. Also, find out what the protocol is to make-up classes should you miss any due to work, sickness or family emergencies.

Considering an HVAC School near Brighton IL?

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

Brighton, Illinois

Brighton is a village located mostly in Macoupin County and partially in Jersey County, Illinois. As of the 2010 U.S. census, the village had a total population of 2,254. The village's current mayor is Michael Roberts.

According to the 2010 census, Brighton has a total area of 1.909 square miles (4.94 km2), of which 1.87 square miles (4.84 km2) (or 97.96%) is land and 0.039 square miles (0.10 km2) (or 2.04%) is water.[4]

Brighton is a small community that dates back to the early 19th century, when settlers began the transformation of the Illinois prairie into productive farmland. The village was named after Brighton, Massachusetts. A post office was opened in 1837, and the village was incorporated in 1869.[5] Brighton is also noted for its five star historic museum.

How to Choose HVAC Training Courses Brighton IL

Enrolling in the ideal HVAC training course is an important first step toward a rewarding career in the heating & cooling field. You originally came to this website because you wanted more information regarding How to Choose HVAC Training Courses. However, as we have discussed in this post, you should select an HVAC technical school and a certificate or degree program that are both accredited and have outstanding reputations within the HVAC trade. Other factors to search for are plenty of hands-on training and modern facilities. You should check out each of the schools in person that you are most interested in to tour the campus and talk with both the current students and faculty. Attempt to get a feel for the quality of the instruction and the interaction between them. Also, ask about scheduling choices and whether night or weekend classes are available if needed. And remember to ask about financial aid and student loan options also. If you ask the proper 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 appropriate training, hard work and commitment, you can ultimately become a licensed HVAC professional in Brighton IL.

More Hot and Cool Locations in Illinois

  • HVAC Tech Training Milan IL
  • How To Become a HVAC Technician Christopher IL
  • HVAC Training Sidney IL
  • Heating and Air Conditioning Training Dakota IL
  • Associate Degree in HVAC Geneva IL
  • Air Conditioning Installation Training Courses Granite City IL
  • Online HVAC Course Tolono IL
  • Classes for HVAC Certificate Peru IL
  • HVAC Service Technician Schools Rockwood IL
  • Air Conditioner Training Menard IL
  •  

     

    The location could not be found.

     

    Business Results 1 - 10 of 153

    Harster Heating & Air Conditioning
    24 Reviews
    Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC, Water Heater Installation/Repair
    Phone:
    9900 Gravois Rd, Saint Louis, MO 63123

    Goldkamp Heating & Cooling
    8 Reviews
    Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC
    Phone:
    890 N Lafayette, Florissant, MO 63031

    King Air Conditioning & Heating
    2 Reviews
    Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC
    Phone:
    7020 Ingham Ln, Godfrey, IL 62035

    Welsch Heating & Cooling
    8 Reviews
    Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC
    Phone:
    2175 Welsch Industrial Ct, Saint Louis, MO 63146

    C & G Heating & Cooling
    5 Reviews
    Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC
    Phone:
    7805 Manchester Rd, Saint Louis, MO 63143

    Anton's Air Conditioning and Heating
    24 Reviews
    Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC, Air Duct Cleaning, Insulation Installation
    Phone:
    8826 New Hampshire St, St Louis, MO 63123

    Vitt Heating and Cooling
    7 Reviews
    Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC, Air Duct Cleaning
    Phone:
    4719 Morganford Rd, St. Louis, MO 63116

    Academy Air
    31 Reviews
    Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC, Plumbing, Water Heater Installation/Repair
    Phone:
    4156 Shoreline Dr, Earth City, MO 63045

    B & W Heating & Cooling
    2 Reviews
    Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC
    Phone:
    398 E Edwardsville Rd, Wood River, IL 62095

    Bennett Heating & Cooling
    3 Reviews
    Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC
    Phone:
    3118A Morgan Ford Rd, Saint Louis, MO 63116