Are you thinking about branching out into the skilled trades and working as an electrician, plumber, or HVAC contractor? If so, read on for career outlook, salary, and education requirements. There are many benefits of becoming an electrician, plumber, or HVAC contractor. Here are just a few. You’ll find the answers you need. Hopefully, you’ll find the right career for you. But first, let’s take a look at what each career entails.
Branching Out in the Skilled Trades
If you have a love of mechanical and electrical work, branching out in the skilled trades may be the perfect path to take. These trades are crucial to day-to-day operations in every business, government agency, and industry. These jobs also pay well, and many of these jobs are in demand. To find out more, check the article from Henry Fields, an expert workforce analyst.
With a combination of formal education and on-the-job training, HVAC technicians can complete their certification program in as little as a year. Many four-year college students have to wait until they complete their program to find employment. An HVAC apprenticeship, on the other hand, can boost your employment prospects because it provides on-the-job training and is usually between three and five years long. Whether you choose an apprenticeship or pursue a certificate program, the trade schools will help you find employment in your chosen field.
Career Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the career outlook for electrical and HVAC workers is bright. The national need for electricians and HVAC technicians is expected to increase by 8% over the next decade, which is higher than the average rate of job growth for all occupations. The increase is not quite as fast but still represents healthy growth since electrical power usage continues to increase. Those who wish to become an electrical or HVAC technician can begin a certificate program in as little as 40 weeks or a year.
This career field offers many benefits. It requires hands-on work and a variety of skills, including problem-solving. HVAC technicians may work on commercial and residential properties. They may also be required to travel for work. This can be a rewarding experience for someone who enjoys travelling and collaborating with others. The average age of electrical and HVAC workers is 55. By 2030, the demand for these workers will grow by nine percent.
Salary
An electrical or HVAC career can be lucrative, but it may be tough to decide which field is better suited to your skill level. While the median salary for electrical or HVAC technicians is just over $56,000 a year, there are many variables that can make this job more lucrative than other careers. The best way to determine whether an electrical or HVAC career is right for you is to look at salaries for those who are at the entry-level.
During the next five years, the industry is projected to grow by 5 percent, slower than the average for all occupations. There will also be 38,500 openings, mostly due to workers being laid off or retiring. With this growth, however, comes a need for more qualified individuals. In other words, HVAC contractors need skilled technicians to meet the needs of customers. And that means paying the right wages. But how do you get started?
Education Requirements
The education requirements for a career as an electrical or HVAC technician are fairly straightforward. As a rule of thumb, the minimum educational requirements are an associate’s degree. You must complete 60 credit hours of coursework, and many programs require the completion of general education courses like math and science. However, if you want to specialize in one area of HVAC, you may also choose to specialize in another subject. If you’re interested in working with heating and air conditioning systems, you may want to consider enrolling in a bachelor’s degree program.
The education requirements for an HVAC technician vary by state. An apprentice program may last for three to five years. Apprentices work side-by-side with experienced tradesmen and earn a stipend. Apprentices typically learn the ins and outs of blueprint reading, tools, and safety practices. HVAC technicians must be licensed by their state in order to work in this field. In general, programs that lead to certification are offered at community colleges, technical institutes, and trade schools.