Tag Archives: Accredited Heating and Cooling Schools near Paia HI 96779

Heating and Cooling Schools Paia HI

How to Choose the Right HVAC College near Paia Hawaii

air conditioner condensers in Paia HINow that you have made a decision on a career as a heating and air conditioning professional, the next step is to locate an HVAC technical school near Paia HI. But with so many to choose from, how do you decide on the best one to receive the training that you require? A number of prospective students will make their decision based exclusively on the cost of tuition or how close the school is to their home. Although these are relevant concerns, they are not the only ones to investigate. A few of the other factors that you need to investigate are the graduation rates of the HVAC schools, their reputations, and if they are accredited by professional trade organizations. Those and additional criteria will be addressed in more detail later within this article. But before we explore how to choose an HVAC training program, let’s look at what a heating and air conditioning contractor does to become a licensed qualified tradesman.

How to Become an HVAC Tech

Paia HI HVAC Tech installing water heaterHVAC is an acronym that is widely used in the industry that stands for “Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning”. HVAC contractors specialize in the installation, maintenance and repair of air conditioners, furnaces, boilers, hot water heaters and heating systems. As professional tradesmen, they are commonly mandated to be licensed, though every state and regional municipality has its own requirements. Attaining professional certification is not compulsory, but a voluntary means for Paia HI HVAC specialists to prove that they are exceptionally qualified and knowledgeable in their area of specialization. There are many recognized certifications within the industry that are offered. Below are some of the significant ones.

  • North American Technician Excellence (NATE). NATE is a nationally recognized certification for HVAC techs. The certification is achieved by passing a proficiency examination and may be earned in one or more specialties.
  • HVAC Excellence. This certification offers both a professional and a master specialist credential. 2 years of field experience together with passing a comprehensive exam are needed for the professional level certification. Master specialists need to have 3 years of experience along with a passing result on the professional level exam. As with NATE, certifications are provided in several specialties.
  • EPA Section 608. This certification is mandatory for technicians that handle refrigerants. There are 3 forms of certification offered, one for small appliances, and the additional two for low and high pressure refrigerants.

Because licensing could be required in your area, and you may also desire to acquire certification, it’s essential that you select an HVAC vocational school that will prepare you for both. And since you will more than likely be handling refrigerants, make certain that the program you pick prepares you for passing the EPA Section 608 exams.

HVAC Degree and Certificate Classes

radiator heater in Paia HI homeThere are a variety of choices available for HVAC instruction in a trade or technical school. You can earn a certificate, an Associate Degree, or a Bachelor’s Degree. Acquiring a certificate will take the lesser amount of time, typically achieved in as little as six months, though some courses are longer. A certificate will qualify you for most HVAC positions, especially if you are licensed and have certification appropriate to the position. The degree training programs may provide a competitive edge in the job market and will provide more comprehensive training than the certificate programs. Following is a brief explanation of each option offered near Paia HI.

  • Certificate. Usually requiring a high school diploma, certificate programs are preferred among entry level residential or commercial HVAC specialists. They furnish a solid foundation of skills for job opportunities within the trade.
  • Associate Degree. The Associate Degree in HVAC program provides a more detailed understanding of heating & cooling systems than the certificate program. Generally requiring two years to complete, some degrees feature an internship or work-study program.
  • Bachelor’s Degree. The Bachelor’s Degree in HVAC is geared more towards a career in management or even business ownership. Some programs require an Associate Degree, while others are a standard 4 year program. In addition to being taught how to service and maintain heating and cooling systems, you will also learn how to design them.

Choosing the right credential program will be based on what your long term career aspirations are, as well as the time and money that you have to invest. One option is to start with a certificate or perhaps an Associate Degree program, and after acquiring some experience in the trade in Paia HI, later going back to acquire a Bachelor’s Degree. If this is your strategy, be sure to ask the HVAC tech school you are looking at about how their returning student program works.

HVAC Schools Online

Paia HI student attending HVAC school onlineAttending an HVAC program online is one option to obtaining your training and receiving a degree or certificate. Nearly all schools will require some attendance on campus to take part in hands on training. Some also sponsor internship or work-study programs in addition to or in place of practical lab work. But since the remainder of the classes can be attended via the internet, this approach may be a more practical solution for some Paia HI students that are pressed for time. And some online degree programs are less costly than other traditional choices. Even driving expenses from Paia and study materials can be reduced, helping to make education more economical. And numerous online schools are fully accredited (more on this later). So if your job or family responsibilities have left you with minimal time to attend classes, maybe an HVAC online training program will make it easier to accommodate school into your hectic schedule.

What to Ask HVAC Trade Schools

Questions to ask Paia HI HVAC training schoolsWhen you have chosen the type of degree or certificate that you desire to obtain, either online or on campus, you can start to decrease your list of schools. As you are probably aware, there are numerous HVAC trade schools in the Paia HI area and across the United States to select from. That’s why it is imperative to have a list of key qualifiers when making school comparisons. As earlier mentioned in our opening paragraph, location and tuition will undoubtedly be the first 2 factors you will take into consideration. Following are some additional ones that you will want to investigate before enrolling in your school of choice.

Accreditation.  Many HVAC vocational schools in the Paia HI area have received either a regional or a national accreditation. They can acquire Institutional Accreditation, which focuses on the school’s programs overall, or Programmatic Accreditation, which pertains to an individual program, for example HVAC technology. Confirm that the school is accredited by a U.S. Department of Education acknowledged accrediting organization, for example the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. Along with helping ensure that you get an excellent education, it may help in acquiring financial assistance or student loans, which are in many cases unavailable for non-accredited schools. Also, a number of states require that the HVAC training program be accredited in order to be approved for licensing.

High Completion Rates.  Ask the Heating and Cooling schools you are considering what their completion rates are. The completion rate is the percentage of students who enroll in and complete the course. A low completion rate might suggest that students were disappointed with the course and dropped out. It may also suggest that the teachers were not competent to train the students. It’s similarly essential that the schools have higher job placement rates. Older and/or more reputable schools may have a broader directory of alumni, which may mean more contacts for the school to employ for their apprenticeship and job placement programs. A high job placement rate can not only affirm that the school has an excellent reputation within the industry, but also that it has the network of Paia HI HVAC employers to help graduates secure apprenticeships or jobs.

Apprenticeship Programs.  Numerous HVAC training programs are taught along with an apprenticeship or an internship program. Those participating trade and vocational schools will help place you in an apprenticeship program inside their network of HVAC companies or labor unions. Ask if the schools you are reviewing have working relationships with local Paia HI HVAC specialists. An apprenticeship not only provides a rewarding experience by providing hands-on training, but it also supplies employment opportunities and helps to establish relationships in the regional HVAC professional community.

Modern Facilities.  Confirm that the school facilities and the equipment that you will be trained on are up-to-date and what you will be using on the job. If you are already in an internship or an apprenticeship, check with the HVAC tech you are working under concerning what you should be looking for. Otherwise, ask a local Paia HI HVAC contracting company if they can provide some suggestions. Also bear in mind that unless you can relocate, the school needs to be within driving distance of your Paia HI home. Remember that if you decide to attend an out-of-state school, besides the added moving costs there might be increased tuition charges compared to in-state residents.

Smaller Classes.   It’s important that you get as much individualized training as possible, which can be challenging in larger classes. Ask if you can sit in on a couple of the classes so that you can observe how large they are and witness first hand the interaction between teachers and students. Speak to several of the students and get their feedback relating to class sizes and instruction. Last, speak with a few of the teachers and learn what their level of expertise is and what degrees or certifications they hold.

Flexible Scheduling.  Confirm that the class schedules for the programs you are evaluating are flexible enough to fulfill your needs. If you are only able to go to classes at night or on weekends near Paia HI, confirm that the schools you are looking at provide those options. If you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the school you select allows part-time enrollment. Additionally, check out what the policy is to make-up classes should you miss any because of work, illness or family responsibilities.

Considering an HVAC School near Paia HI?

Perhaps you are considering enrolling in an HVAC training program in the Paia Hawaii area.  If so, you may find the following background information about the location of your new school campus both interesting and informative.

Paia, Hawaii

Pāʻia (pah-ee-ah) is a census-designated place (CDP) in Maui County, Hawaiʻi, on the northern coast of the island of Maui. The population was 2,668 at the 2010 census.[1] Pāʻia is home to several restaurants, art galleries, surf shops and other tourist-oriented businesses. It was formerly home to a Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar mill from 1880 to 2000.[2][3]

Pāʻia is located at 20°54′38″N 156°22′35″W / 20.91056°N 156.37639°W / 20.91056; -156.37639 (20.910694, -156.376340).[4]Spreckelsville lies to the west, Haiku to the east, and Haliimaile to the south.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 7.5 square miles (19.3 km2), of which 6.1 square miles (15.9 km2) is land and 1.3 square miles (3.4 km2), or 17.84%, is water.[5]

Heating and Cooling Schools Paia HI

Enrolling in the right HVAC training course is a crucial first step toward a rewarding career in the heating and air conditioning industry. You originally came to this website because you wanted more information regarding Heating and Cooling Schools. However, as we have covered in this post, you need to choose an HVAC vocational school and a degree or certificate program that are both accredited and have outstanding reputations within the HVAC trade. Other features to search for are ample hands-on training and modern facilities. You need to go to each of the schools personally that you are most interested in to explore the campus and speak with both the current students and faculty. Try to get a feel for the quality of the instruction and the interaction between them. Additionally, inquire about scheduling choices and if night or weekend classes are offered if needed. And don’t forget to ask about financial aid and student loan options too. If you ask the proper questions as we have outlined in our guidelines for assessing schools, you’ll be able to narrow down your options so that you can make an informed decision. With the appropriate training, hard work and dedication, you can ultimately become a licensed HVAC contractor in Paia HI.

More Hot and Cool Locations in Hawaii

  • HVAC Diploma Wailuku HI
  • HVAC Bachelor Degree Pahoa HI
  • How To Become a HVAC Technician Makawao HI
  • Online HVAC Course Lihue HI
  • Best HVAC Schools Koloa HI
  • HVAC School Online Honolulu HI
  • HVAC Associates Degree Waianae HI
  • HVAC Training Courses Maunaloa HI
  • Online HVAC School Wahiawa HI
  • Commercial HVAC Training Waipahu HI
  •  

     

    The location could not be found.

     

    Business Results 1 - 10 of 32

    Tradewinds Air Conditioning
    5 Reviews
    Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC
    Phone:
    355 Hukelike St, Ste 109, Lahaina, HI 96732

    Island Air Conditioning
    5 Reviews
    Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC
    Phone:
    Kihei, HI 96753

    Sturdevant Refrigeration & Air Conditioning
    16 Reviews
    Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC, Electricians
    Phone:
    475 Hukilike St, Ste F, Kahului, HI 96732

    Central Pacific Repair
    2 Reviews
    Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC
    Phone:
    61 Kee Rd, Makawao, HI 96768

    Cooling Hawaii
    2 Reviews
    Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC
    Phone:
    2000 Mokulele Hwy, Ste 53B, Puunene, HI 96784

    Wikiwiki Electric
    4 Reviews
    Electricians, Solar Installation, Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC
    Phone:
    355 Hukilike St, Unit 108, Kahului, HI 96732

    Abco Air Conditioning of Maui
    7 Reviews
    Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC
    Phone:
    kihei Hi, HI 96753

    Thermaltech
    5 Reviews
    Appliances & Repair, Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC
    Phone:
    1111 Starbucks, Wiluku, HI 96793

    Solar HI Maui
    2 Reviews
    Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC, Solar Installation
    Phone:
    171 Auhana Rd, Kihei, HI 96753

    Alltemp
    13 Reviews
    Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC
    Phone:
    269 E Papa Pl, Ste 10, Kahului, HI 96732