Valley College announced back in January of this year a new opportunity for Princeton, WV students to start a new career or advance in an already established career. That career path is in the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) repair field, and career growth is exploding. Since we announced open enrollment for HVAC training on all three campuses, we have experienced an explosion of our own – HVAC technician style.
In fact, three West Virginia locals completed our program in March of this year. 20-year-old David Hosler, became our first ever graduate of the HVAC program, finishing with an impressive 4.0 grade point average. Also finishing the program in March was Scotty Blankenship and Matthew Lunsford. These are just three of the many VC graduates that will go on to have successful and satisfying careers in the heating and air conditioning trade.
In Hosler’s case, making that call to enroll in Valley College’s HVAC program changed his life. He was able to find a job just two days after graduation. While this is not the case for everyone, Valley College does offer job placement services after graduation. Deciding to make the same call David did could very well change your life, too.
Newest HVAC License Program at Princeton Campus
While we have offered the HVAC license program at our Beckley and Martinsburg campuses since June of last year, we recently began offering the same program at our Princeton campus. This opens the door for even more people to train for this high-demand trade.
West Virginia HVAC technicians stand to make an average of $40,000 a year, which is the national average for this field. In addition, job availability and job security are at an all-time high right now. In fact, according to Brandon Nowlin, Branch manager at Southern Air, they are struggling to find qualified, trained personnel in this area. Patricia Wilson, Princeton City Council, says the HVAC program at Valley College benefits the local community and brings in students from neighboring counties. It is a great opportunity for people who have lost jobs in the coal mines to learn something new in an area of such need.
The Future of HVAC
Between now and the year 2022, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts an unprecedented 21 percent growth in the HVAC industry. This is huge for Princeton students just coming out of high school and looking for a career that offers both decent pay and job security. What is even better is HVAC technicians are in high demand all over the country. A Valley College graduate could easily move to another state with his or her HVAC certification and get a job quickly.
HVAC Service Training Specifics at Valley College Campuses
The HVAC service training program at all of our campuses is a 9-month program. It features both classroom basics as well as hands-on training for a well-rounded education. We offer frequent start dates throughout the year so you do not have to wait to enroll and get started. Instructors of our HVAC classes have real-world experience and teach areas of focus such as:
- Blueprints and plans
- Air conditioning
- Safety and handling regulations
- Commercial systems
- Professionalism for technicians
At the end of your HVAC training, you will also receive career development guidance and support. We will help you make the most of your training and help you transition from student to real-world working professional with ease.
Why Valley College for HVAC Training?
If you are in Princeton, West Virginia or any of the surrounding areas, Valley College is a great place to get your HVAC training because we are accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools. This means you can trust you get a great education from a great school. For more than 26 years, Valley College has been a part of this growing community, making a positive impact on students and their families one diploma at a time.
Princeton graduates of the HVAC program can expect to find long-term full-time work in the heating and air conditioning field quickly. Whether locally or out-of-state, HVAC positions are abundantly available. A quick search on career websites such as Monster.com or Indeed.com produces several companies looking to hire in the Princeton area right this minute.
If you are a Princeton local or live in one of the surrounding areas, and you are looking for direction in your life in the form of a secure, well-paying career, look no further than the HVAC training program at Valley College. Our 9-month program will get you on the path to a new and exciting career in less than a year. Valley College graduates are sought after by some of the biggest companies in the area, so don’t wait to get started. Call our Princeton admissions office at 304-425-2323 and ask about our next enrollment date.