This is a non-credit program. Enrollment in PCC is not required.
Pueblo Corporate College
Gorsich Advance Technology Center, Room 201B
719-549-3320
technology@pueblocc.edu
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
Is this Program right for me?
Students who are a good fit for an HVAC career are often hands-on learners who enjoy solving problems, working with tools, and understanding how mechanical and electrical systems operate. They may be the type of students who like taking things apart, fixing equipment, helping with home or auto repairs, or figuring out why something is not working. HVAC can be especially appealing to students who prefer active, practical work over sitting at a desk all day and who enjoy seeing the direct results of their efforts. Because HVAC technicians work on heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems, successful students often have strong attention to detail, patience, reliability, and a willingness to keep learning as technology changes.
Students with interests in mechanics, electricity, construction, engineering, environmental science, energy efficiency, or smart technology may find HVAC training especially rewarding. The field combines technical skill with real-world problem-solving, making it a strong choice for students who enjoy math, science, shop classes, career and technical education, robotics, automotive technology, or computer-based diagnostics. HVAC also requires communication and customer service skills, since technicians often explain problems, recommend repairs, and work directly with homeowners, businesses, and other tradespeople. Students who are dependable, safety-minded, curious, and comfortable working both independently and as part of a team are likely to do well in this career pathway.
Did You Know?
The HVAC industry is facing a massive shortage of skilled technicians. As older workers retire and the demand for new, energy-efficient systems skyrockets, thousands of high-paying jobs are sitting empty waiting for trained
professionals. You can complete your training and enter this high-demand field in a fraction of the time it takes to get a four-year degree!
What will I learn?
This course prepares students for an entry-level career in the HVAC/R industry servicing, maintaining, and troubleshooting complex heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems. Students will develop a thorough understanding of key HVAC/R topics, including heat, temperature, and pressure; refrigeration and refrigerants; safety practices; tools and equipment; leak detection; system evacuation; refrigeration oil management; system charging; automatic controls; electric motors; and much more. Students who successfully complete the program assessment exams can earn the EPA 608 Universal and NATE industry-recognized credentials, demonstrating their knowledge and readiness for the workforce.
Career Information
This HVAC Technician Training program prepares students for entry-level opportunities in one of today’s essential skilled trades. Graduates may pursue positions such as HVAC helper, installer assistant, maintenance technician, residential service trainee, refrigeration assistant, or facilities maintenance technician. These roles provide a foundation for working with heating, cooling, ventilation, and refrigeration systems in homes, schools, offices, hospitals, and commercial buildings. With additional experience, certifications, and employer-based training, students can advance into careers as HVAC service technicians, commercial HVAC technicians, refrigeration technicians, building automation controls technicians, lead installers, service managers, project managers, or even business owners. According to O*NET Online wage data for Colorado, heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn an average annual wage of approximately $59,810, with entry-level workers earning less and experienced technicians earning more [2]. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics also reports a national median annual wage of $59,810 for this occupation as of May 2024 [14]. This makes HVAC training a practical pathway for students seeking hands-on work, technical skills, and long-term career growth.
Possible careers after training include:
- HVAC Helper-Assists technicians with tools, equipment, installation, and basic job-site tasks
- HVAC Installer Assistant-Helps install furnaces, air conditioners, ductwork, thermostats, and ventilation systems
- Entry-Level HVAC Technician-Performs basic inspection, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair under supervision
- Residential HVAC Service Trainee-Supports service calls for home heating and cooling systems
- Refrigeration Assistant-Assists with refrigeration systems used in restaurants, grocery stores, and commercial facilities
- Facilities Maintenance Technician-Maintains building systems, including HVAC, lighting, plumbing, and general repairs
- Building Maintenance Worker-Performs routine maintenance in schools, apartments, offices, hospitals, or public buildings
- Commercial HVAC Technician-Advanced role working on larger systems in businesses and industrial facilities
- Building Automation/Controls Technician-Works with smart thermostats, sensors, and automated energy-management systems
- HVAC Business Owner-Long-term pathway for experienced technicians interested in entrepreneurship
Our Experienced Faculty
Our HVAC instructional staff brings a strong blend of real-world trade experience, technical training, and leadership expertise to help students prepare for entry-level careers in the heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration field. Staff experience includes HVAC installation, system replacement and repair, sheet metal fabrication, troubleshooting and diagnostics, residential service work, and limited commercial HVAC service. This background allows students to learn from instructors who understand the day-to-day expectations of the field, including job-site safety, teamwork, customer communication, problem-solving, and the importance of quality workmanship.
In addition to HVAC field experience, the instructional team brings expertise in weatherization, building science, energy efficiency, quality assurance, and compliance with industry standards. Staff members have experience developing training materials, mentoring learners, supervising crews, coordinating projects, and ensuring work is completed safely and correctly. With certifications in areas such as building analysis, energy auditing, and quality control inspection, the team is well prepared to connect classroom learning with the skills employers value. Students benefit from instruction that is practical, career-focused, and designed to build the confidence, technical foundation, and professional habits needed to pursue entry-level HVAC opportunities and continue growing in the skilled trades.
Our Cutting Edge Facilities
PCC’s HVAC training program offers students the opportunity to learn in an exceptional hands-on environment designed to prepare them for real-world success. With access to a mobile learning lab, industrial-grade heat pump and mini split trainers, and a wide range of HVAC tools and components, students gain practical experience with the equipment and systems used in today’s industry. These high-quality training resources help students build confidence, develop job-ready skills, and connect classroom learning to real HVAC applications. For students looking for a career-focused program with strong hands-on training, PCC provides an exciting pathway into the HVAC field.