(ROSENBERG, Texas) – For those who live through the hot summer months of Texas, there is one saving grace that they become very familiar with: air conditioning. Having it break down during July or August can be a nightmare, one that needs quick remedying.
That is where HVAC technicians come in.
The HVAC industry touches just about every part of day-to-day life, especially in a hot state like Texas. From food refrigeration to industrial-sized air conditioning units for warehouses or office buildings, without HVAC technicians keeping things running smoothly, a lot of processes and supply chains could be adversely affected.
Kim Thompson, president of K Resources – Technical Recruiting, finds that her clients in the HVAC industry are always on the lookout for qualified individuals to hire.
“With extreme temperatures common during the summer months, my Texan clients are sharing that they cannot find qualified technicians fast enough,” Thompson said. “They are often requesting TSTC (Texas State Technical College) graduates and alumni.”
Currently TSTC has an HVAC Technology program on five of its 11 campuses in order to combat that growing need. With options for both an associate degree and/or certificates of completion, students can choose just how much training they wish to pursue before heading out into the field to gain real-world experience.
And the options for jobs are also great.
“HVAC techs can choose commercial and/or residential, union versus nonunion firms, they can stay local or travel,” Thompson said. “Their career path will take them in many directions and offer them more options than they can ever imagine.”
With many in the industry retiring, the need for technicians is only set to grow over the coming years. According to onetonline.org, heating, air conditioning and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Texas earn a median salary of $50,190 a year. The website projected that there would be a 21% increase in the number of such jobs in the state from 2020 to 2030.
For more information on the HVAC Technology program at TSTC, go to tstc.edu/hvac.
