Part 1. HVAC
Employers are finding it difficult to hire certified HVAC technicians. This is particularly true for workers who can maintain, service, and repair systems in addition to those who simply perform installations. The jobs of qualified technicians are fairly recession-proof since homeowners always need repairs and updates to their home HVAC systems. The average life expectancy of an HVAC unit is between 10 and 15 years. So, providing replacements is a steady business. Innovation is a driving force adding to the need for new and better systems. In addition, there is the constant increase in construction of commercial and residential buildings. The need for certified technicians is good news for career and technical schools that offer HVAC training.
New and more sophisticated climate-control systems will increase the need for highly trained people. Homeowners and amateurs are finding it more and more difficult to do their own preventative maintenance. Servicing new “smart” systems requires more intensive training. What’s more, the emphasis on a greener and more energy efficient lifestyle means older systems are going to be replaced, retrofitted, or upgraded to meet new specifications and to accommodate the increasing cost of energy.
Currently, there are approximately 380,000 jobs held by HVAC technicians. This number is expected to grow at a rate of 5% each year through 2030. In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 19,000 more jobs will be available by 2030 in the United States. The median pay for a certified HVAC technician is more than $48,600 per year. This equates to more than $23.00 per hour. Newly trained technicians will possess some entirely new skills which will make them desirable employees for HVAC companies that often compete in local areas.
Postsecondary career and technical schools can prepare students who want to be certified. There are three types of certifications available. North American Technician Excellence or NATE Certificate is the most well-known and respected. There is also the EPA 608 Certification which is offered at three levels, each indicating a specific level of expertise. Finally, there is the two-tiered Excellence Certification. (Professional Level and Master Specialist) The Professional Level requires a minimum of two years experience, while the Master Specialist requires three years. Each also requires students to pass an examination.
Part 2. Plumbing
The plumbing industry is growing at an accelerating rate. The size and importance of the industry is evident when you consider that there are more than 127,000 plumbing businesses in the United States. They are responsible for creating more than 565,000 jobs producing a revenue stream of approximately 124 billion dollars. Currently, the job opportunities for plumbers are increasing at a rate of 5% per year. As many members of the current workforce reach retirement age, the need to train new plumbers is a serious concern. Becoming a plumber involves extensive training and an apprenticeship. It often takes years to become a licensed professional. The average annual salary is over $56,000 which equates to more than $27.00 per hour.
Like the HVAC industry, plumbing technology is becoming more sophisticated. Current trends include tankless water heaters, greywater recycling systems, smart pipe systems, telematics, and others. All these trends will require updated and modern training programs to fill the need for more technologically savvy plumbers. Postsecondary career schools and colleges can offer the training and hands-on experiences needed to fill the need for plumbers with modern skills.
Part 3. The Schools
Many students turn to postsecondary career schools for training in HVAC and Plumbing for several reasons. They offer short-term programs that are focused on the skills needed for the job. They have outstanding relationships with employers who are seeking the graduates for their job openings. These schools understand the career goals of students and devote attention to preparing students with workplace skills that employers need. In addition, career colleges and schools are cost-effective compared to most other postsecondary institutions.
Postsecondary career and technical schools associated with the HVAC and plumbing industries can become more efficient and productive if they make use of an excellent student information and management system. STARS* is an excellent choice. STARS includes a comprehensive set of features and tools that make tracking students’ progress and communicating with them easy and efficient. The STARS information system includes a student portal that provides up-to-date information for students to check schedules, review grades, make payments, keep abreast of job openings, and more.
STARS eliminates the need for use of additional third-party software. With over 25 years of service to career colleges and schools. STARS runs in the cloud on an enterprise grade IBMi Power 9 server, which provides the highest degree of security and safety available. Postsecondary HVAC and plumbing schools using STARS appreciate the fact that it has an uptime average of 99.99%. It’s available when you need it!
Click here to learn more about how STARS can help HVAC & Plumbing Schools.
*STARS is an acronym for Student Tracking and Accounting Records System. This type of software is also referred to as a student management system, career college management system, student information management system, campus management software, school information management system, college management system, student record management system, campus management system, student information system software, online student management software, vocational school management system, etc.
