This field affords great opportunities. Upon completion, individuals may obtain employment with an industrial plant, HVAC/Plumbing contractor, or go into business for themselves. The training in this program provides the opportunity for students to prepare themselves in the installation, maintenance, and repair of all types of heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration equipment, soil and waste sanitation, venting, gas, and air lines, installation of plumbing, fixtures, installation of large and small self-contained air conditioning. 

The HVAC/Plumbing program also gives students the opportunity to read and interpret blueprints and drawings. On smaller installations the technician may have to prepare his or her own work diagrams and do simple layout such as measuring and cutting pipe. They also get experience in making soil pipe joints, joint wiping, soldering, threading, welding, and brazing. The installation of plastic pipe, copper and cast are             also covered.

Fundamental knowledge of electrical practices, reading schematics, electrical controls, building circuits, working with chemicals, piping practices, types of furnaces, efficiency testing, energy management, and related safety in all of the above curricular areas provide students the opportunity to prepare themselves for the working world.

For information on this occupation’s description, required knowledge, job tasks and related job titles, state/national wages and employment trends, visit the U.S. Dept. of Labor’s site for this career field click here.

Opportunities for college credit

GACTC graduates can get a jump start on post-secondary education by taking advantage of the various articulation and/or dual enrollment opportunities. Click here to review the college credit opportunities for the HVAC/Plumbing program.