Program Objective:

The objective of the Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning/ Refrigeration (HVAC/R1) is to prepare students for employment or advanced training in the heating, ventilation and air conditioning and refrigeration industry.

To accomplish this, the following guidelines are established: assist students to choose, prepare for, enter, and be gainfully employed in the air conditioning and heating field; offer a program which emphasizes sound fundamentals while responding to the needs of this particular industry; provide courses to meet current and specific needs of the student and this industry.

Occupational Outlook

O*NET Program Details

Curriculum Framework

More Information

Program Outlook:

This program focuses on broad, transferable skills, stresses the understanding of the heating, air-conditioning, refrigeration and ventilation industry, and demonstrates elements of the industry such as planning, management, finance, technical and production skills, the underlying principles of technology, and health, safety, and environmental issues. The student should obtain EPA certification prior to leaving school in order to be employed in any job that requires work with refrigerants. Instruction includes a combination of classroom theory and practical experience. Students are eligible to join the Skills USA.

Program Content:

The content includes but is not limited to designing, testing and repairing heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, cooling (HVAC) systems employability skills and safety issues. Other content includes:

• Refrigeration Fundamentals
• Tools and Components
• Basic Electricity, Circuitry & Wiring
• Electric Motors
• Room and Central Air Conditioner
• Domestic and Commercial Refrigeration
• Heating Recovery Systems & Heat Pumps

Length of Program:

The average length of this program is 750 hours (approximately 7 months) for students attending on a full-time basis. Actual time is dependent upon enrollment status (full-time/part-time) and the length of time the student requires to achieve competencies. This program contains three occupational completion points designed to prepare students for various jobs.

Admission Requirements:

• Students must be at least 16 years old and not attending high school
• Application
• Interview by a guidance counselor
• Fees for supplies and textbooks are required.

Entrance Dates:

This program operates on an open-entry, open-exit basis. Students may enter the program anytime during the school year. Entrance is dependent upon space availability. Call (305) 557-1100 for more information.

Graduation Requirements:

• Completion of all Occupational Completion Points (OCP’s)
• Satisfy Minimum Basic Skills Requirements:
  Mathematics 10     Language 9     Reading 9
• No financial obligations
• Students must complete the Clearance Packet to receive a program certificate.

Program Cost:

• In-state residents—$2.56 per hour (Subject to change)
• Out of state resident—$10.25 per hour (Subject to change)
• $20.00 application fee
• Material fee—Varies by program
• Identification Card fee—$5.00 per trimester
• Students must purchase books/kits and/or uniforms, if applicable

Program Hours:

Monday—Friday 7:20 am-1:00 pm
Monday—Friday 5:30 pm-10:30 pm
Monday—Wednesday 5:30 pm-10:30 pm

Approximately Total Cost:

$2,961

Employment Requirements:

• Employers often give preference to applicants who have completed formal HVAC training either through an academic program or apprenticeship (www.bls.gov). Licensure and certification are also sometimes required.
• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Certificate
• Students are strongly recommended to earn HVAC Excellence Certificates

Career Opportunities:

Commercial Service Technician, Domestic Service Technician, Marine Air Conditioning Service Technician, Sales-Air Conditioning, Heating or Refrigeration Equipment. Technician.

Salary:

The average wage for this career in Florida is $21.85 hourly or $45,450 annually.

Job Outlook:

Employment of heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers is projected to grow 5% from 2020 to 2030.