The rising costs of college and the faltering economy have had many upcoming high school graduates have turned to the one bright spot in the education sector: trade schools. While colleges and graduate schools have seen a decline in student applications in recent years, trade schools have been experiencing an increase in enrollments.
Why the increase?
For starters, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that middle-skill jobs, such as those that require training such as trade schools offer, will make up approximately 45% of all job openings projected through 2014. In addition, trade schools are also seeing a rise of enrollees that are above the age of the typical student, as adults seek new careers among disappearing jobs in order to gain secure, well-paid work. According to the financial analysis firm Sageworks, revenue at technical and trade schools has jumped by over 12% over the last 12 months, compared to the average growth of 5% to 6% in 2006 and 2007. The Consolidated Annual Report published by the U.S. Department of Education reports that about 16 million students were enrolled nationally in career and technical education during the 2006-2007 school year, compared with 9.66 million in 1999. The numbers speak for themselves.
Now is the best time to think about pursuing your HVAC Career
With the increase in trade school enrollment comes better training, better education and better preparation for the job world once you are ready to start. A career in HVAC leads to a promising future, as the need for heating, air-conditioning and refrigeration is everywhere, at all times. It is required both commercially and residentially, and there is no “off-season. In short, it is a year-round career that promises stability and a steady income. Consider these facts:
- The US Department of Labor states that the HVAC field will grow up to 17-percent over the next few years.
- The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a projected growth of “faster than average†from the years 2012 – 2022 (15 – 21%)
- The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports 123,700 projected job openings from the years 2012 – 2022.
Choosing the right Trade School for your HVAC Training
Due to the increasing number of homes and commercial properties being built in recent years, and considering the fact that HVAC systems need to be replaced within a timeframe of approximately 10-15 years, it is crucial to find a trade school that gives you the support you need as well as the proper training. The goal of attending a HVAC trade school program is to acquire the necessary skills necessary to be a successful HVAC technician in all aspects of the trade. Finding a school that provides the extensive hands-on training program that gives them the tools to succeed is vital. Choosing a trade school with an HVAC program on cost alone is not as important as the reputation and quality of the school and curriculum that will lead to a prosperous career after completion.
Rosedale Technical Institute, a trade school serving Pittsburgh-area students looking for a prospective career in Automotive, Diesel, Electrical, HVAC and Truck Driving Career. With over 60 years of training students, they have a long history of experience with preparing students for the skills they need to succeed in their chosen field of study.
Rosedale’s HVAC program offers extensive hands-on training that will prepare students to work with both residential and commercial systems. Curriculum studies include:
- Basic Refrigeration
- Electricity and Troubleshooting
- Forced Air Heating Systems
- Hydronic Heating Systems
- Blue Print Reading
- Sheet Metal Applications
- Heat Pump Diagnosis
- Thermodynamics and Design
- Control System Analysis
- Air Conditioning Maintenance
Upon graduation, students will earn their Associate Degree in Specialized Technology with an opportunity to earn their EPA Section 608 Refrigerant Handling Certification. Financial Aid is also available for qualified students. Rosedale’s Job Placement Department also arranges for a career preparation course, including arranging interviews for graduates as well as current students.
If you are thinking of a career in HVAC or are looking to switch to a growing field with a steady income, contact the professionals at Rosedale Technical Institute. It’s never too late to get started!
Financial Aid is available to those who qualify. Rosedale Tech is a nonprofit Equal Opportunity Educational Institution and Employer, ACCSC Accredited Institution, and ASEEF Certified. Gainful Employment disclosure information is available at www.rosedaletech.edu.