When you have decided on the type of HVAC certificate or degree to obtain, whether online or on campus, you can begin to limit your choice of schools. As you might have observed, there are several HVAC trade schools today, so you should have a list of vital points to consider when gauging your options.
Be sure to take the following into account before you enroll in an HVAC school:
Accreditation
First of all, see if the programs offered by the school are accredited by a body that is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. On top of ensuring that you receive topnotch education, this can help you access financial assistance as well, a privilege you may not enjoy as a student of an unaccredited program. In addition, many states mandate that HVAC training programs be accredited before their graduates can qualify for licensing.
Completion and Job Placement Rates
A low completion rate (the percentage of enrollees who finish their programs) may be a sign that students have been dissatisfied with the school and have thus left. It could indicate incompetence among instructors as well. Similarly, the school should have a high job placement rate. If a school has a high job placement rate, you can say that it is not only reputable also fully capable of securing apprenticeships or employment for its graduates.
Apprenticeship Programs
A lot of HVAC vocational courses are taught with an internship or apprenticeship. With this, you don’t only have a rewarding experience through practical training, but you also expose yourself to employment opportunities and the chance to establish relationships with HVAC professionals.
Modern Facilities
Make sure that the school has modern facilities and tools that you can actually use once you start working. Or if you’ve started an internship or an apprenticeship program, talk to the HVAC tech you’re working with and ask what things that you have to look for. You can ask a local contractor as well to give you some suggestions.
Class Size
You have to receive as much one-on-one training as possible, but this will be difficult in a large class. When checking out a particular school, ask if you can sit in a number of classes so you can witness how students and instructors interact. Chat with a few students as well about class size and how their learning is impacted by it.
Flexibility
Choose an HVAC school that offers as much scheduling flexibility as you need. Finally, ask about their policies regarding make-up classes and absences, just in case you have to miss class for an unavoidable reason, such as sickness or family issues.