Almost everyone has thought about heating and air conditioning at some point in their lives. After all, who doesn't want to be comfortable in the summer and winter or want their food to stay cold while it's being transported to the grocery store. What most people haven't thought about is pursuing a career installing, maintaining, and repairing Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning, or HVAC, systems. Careers in HVAC have a bright future and skilled HVAC technicians are in demand worldwide.
Although, it does take training, you don't need to go to a college or university for 4 years before beginning your new career. A number of trade and vocational schools offer shorter programs, usually 1 to 2 years in length, that help prepare you for working on HVAC systems. Of course, it will take a few years of working in the field until you aren't considered a novice anymore and certification, which can help you get some jobs, normally requires a couple of years of work experience.
There are also apprenticeships which, in addition to proving you're capable of doing the work successfully, also help you gain employment and make you more marketable once your training period ends. Those normally last 3 to 5 years including your time in the classroom. The good thing about those is that you'll be earning an income, although a reduced amount, while serving as an apprentice so you won't have to worry as much about working your way through school.
This truly is a global field as there are industrial and residential heating and cooling systems throughout the entire world. One nice thing about HVAC is that it does require you to physically be there to inspect and service the mechanical and electrical components. That makes it harder to outsource the entire industry unlike with some careers.
Another thing that's helping increase the demand for HVAC techs is the big push to "go green". That means, in addition to the normal replacement cycle, a lot of businesses and homeowners are replacing their fully-functional heating and air systems with more energy-efficient models. Learning as much as you can about energy saving technology in your training and any continuing education will certainly pay off in the long run.
It's also best to specialize in both installing and maintaining HVAC systems for most people. That's because the construction industry is seasonal which means technicians who only do installation will need some other way to make money in the slow season.
If you've got an interest in hands-on work, like learning about mechanical, electrical, and electronic devices, don't want to get stuck in an office, and are looking to start your career or switch to a different career then HVAC might be the place for you. It's a growing industry with job opportunities everywhere in the world.