Nearly everyone uses air conditioning and heaters. However, if they break, it could become a crisis trying to fix them. That's where HVAC--- Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning---schools come into play. The schools teach installers and mechanics fix the sophisticated systems. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that jobs are projected to increase nine percent during the 2006-2016 decade. In Connecticut, there are numerous HVAC schools to from which to choose.
ICPA Technical Education Center
The Independent Connecticut Petroleum Association (ICPA) offers training and seminars, including a HVAC program. The goal is to teach the theory behind fixing the HVAC system, and then have the students get their hands dirty by actually applying that knowledge. Local heating oil company owners and service managers make up the school board to assure the classes meet the real-life needs of HVAC companies. The center also has advanced training for a B, S, or D license. It additionally features an apprenticeship program for an S-2 license for a heating and cooling mechanic and a B-2 license for an oil burner service and installer.
Independent Connecticut Petroleum Association Education
10 Alcap Ridge
Cromwell, CT 06416
(866) 521-4272
icpa.org/education.htm
Industrial Management & Training Institute
The Institute's Waterbury campus has a HVAC Technician Program designed to ready students to become apprentices in the heating, air conditioning and refrigeration service industries. Students get a mix of training and hands-on experience to "impress upon the student the importance of accepting individual responsibility for the proper diagnosis and repair of various units." The evening program lasts 753 hours over 15 months. Classes include Introduction to Material Handling, Basic Electricity and Chimneys, Vents, and Flues.
Industrial Management & Training Institute
233 Mill St.
Waterbury, CT 06706
(800) 598-4684
imtiusa.com/
Porter and Chester Institute
The Institute offers a HVCAR program, which is approved for credit in the state's apprenticeship program. The classes offer preparation for the B-2, D-2 and S-2 license exams. The program is also ideal if you intend to cross state lines. The curriculum is approved for credit in the Massachusetts apprenticeship program. You'll be ready to sit for the Massachusetts Oil Burner Technician Certification of Competency and the Refrigeration and Technician License. Morning and afternoon classes last 12 months and consist of 60 credit hours---1200 actual hours. Evening classes extends for 18 months and 48 credit hours (960 actual hours) of instruction. This program is offered at locations across the state---Branford, Chicopee, Enfield, Rocky Hill, Stratford, Watertown and Westborough.
Porter and Chester Institute
30 Waterchase Drive
Rocky Hill, CT 06067
(860) 257-4127
porterchester.com/hvacr.html
Lincoln Technical Institute
Lincoln's HVAC program is offered in New Britain and East Windsor. Courses teach you install, maintain and repair needed temperature control equipment for businesses and homes. The Institute notes that environmental changes are putting qualified technicians in demand because it is "increasing the need for comfortable interior heating and cooling systems."
Lincoln Technical Institute
200 John Downey Drive
New Britain, CT 06051
(860) 225-8641
lincolnedu.com/careers/skilled-trades/hvac
Tags: apprenticeship program, actual hours, approved credit, Chester Institute, Connecticut Petroleum, Connecticut Petroleum Association, heating cooling