Are you searching for the right career? HVAC might be it.
Take your first step toward a brighter future in the HVAC trades.
Providing essential services for Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning systems isn't just a job—it's a fulfilling career that can provide a substantial income to support your family immediately with growth over time.
No matter your background or previous experience, there's a place for you.
Women, veterans, first generation college goers, and people who consider a career change later in life have all found a place in this industry. Hear stories directly from students and current technicians about what they love about working in the field instead of behind a desk, and how excited they are about the challenge of troubleshooting mechanical equipment to help people make their homes more comfortable. Find out what led them to pursuing careers in HVAC.
Inland Empire Community College Campuses
Inland Empire community colleges serve a diverse community and are pivotal in sectors like technology, healthcare, manufacturing, logistics, and transportation.
They prioritize career pathways for economic prosperity, emphasizing fields such as advanced manufacturing, energy, business, and communication.

San Bernardino
San Bernardino Valley College

Riverside
Riverside City College

Palm Desert
College of the Desert

Coachella & Colton
Center for Employment Training
Inland Empire Labor Union and Apprenticeships
Consider pursuing an apprenticeship with your local union, where you can gain hands-on experience, industry connections, and the opportunity to “earn while you learn”.
Registered apprenticeships offer a combined approach of on-the-job training and classroom instruction, ensuring skill development and immediate earning potential from the start.
The United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry of the United States and Canada (UA)

San Bernadino and Riverside County
UA Local 364
The International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART)

Los Angeles, Orange, and Riverside County
SMART Local 105
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW)

Riverside
IBEW Local 440

San Bernardino
IBEW Local 447

San Bernardino
LiUNA Local 783

Riverside and San Bernardino County
The Inland Empire Labor Council
The United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America (UBC)

San Bernardino
UBC Local 909

Riverside
UBC Local 951
Community-based organizations (CBOs) provide a range of additional resources and services for individuals – from career counseling and coaching, to bus passes and job opportunities.

IREN
The Inland Regional Energy Network

Riverside County Workforce Development

San Bernardino County Workforce Development Board

Inland SoCal United Way

Goodwill Industries – Southern California

ACE Mentors of America
Trade associations reflect a united voice of an industry sector, and shape policy, offer unique access to resources and employer connectivity.

IHACI
The Institute of Heating and Air Conditioning Industries, Inc.

Grid Alternatives Inland Empire
California Trade Organizations
National Trade Organizations
- Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA)
- Air Conditioning, Heating, & Refrigeration Institute (AHRI)
- Alliance of Energy Engineers (AEE)
- American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)
- Hispanics in Energy (HIE)
- HVAC Excellence
- Plumbing, Heating, Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC)
- Women in Energy (WIE)
- Women in HVACR
Veterans organizations providing career counseling, skills training, and job placement assistance tailored to the experiences and needs of military veterans, facilitating their successful transition into civilian employment.

San Bernadino Veterans Affairs

Riverside Wounded Warriors Project
California Community College Campuses
California’s community colleges offer cost-effective and flexible course scheduling, ideal for individuals seeking career-focused or short-term training for jobs not requiring a four-year degree.
Find a community college in your area!

San Jose
Foothill College

Oakland
Laney College

San Jose
San Jose City College

San Jose
Center for Employment Training

Pleasant Hill
Diablo Valley College

Gilroy
Gavilan College

Butte Valley
Butte College

Sacramento
Sacramento City College

Bakersfield
Bakersfield College

Coalinga
Coalinga College

Fresno
Fresno City College

Merced
Merced College

Stockton
San Joaquin Delta College

Visalia
College of the Sequoias

Cypress
Cypress Community College

Compton
Compton College

Los Angeles
Los Angeles Trade-Technical College

Walnut
Mt. San Antonio College

Alondra Park
El Camino College

Costa Mesa
Orange Coast College

San Bernardino
San Bernardino Valley College

Riverside
Riverside City College

Palm Desert
College of the Desert

Coachella & Colton
Center for Employment Training

Oxnard
Oxnard College

Santa Clarita
College of the Canyons

Ventura
Ventura College

Lancaster
Antelope Valley College

San Luis Obispo
Cuesta College

Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara City College

Imperial
Imperial Valley College

Oceanside
Mira Costa College

San Marcos
Palomar College

San Diego
San Diego City College

Chula Vista
Southwestern College
California Labor Union and Apprenticeships
Consider pursuing an apprenticeship with your local union, where you can gain hands-on experience, industry connections, and the opportunity to “earn while you learn”.
Registered apprenticeships offer a combined approach of on-the-job training and classroom instruction, ensuring skill development and immediate earning potential from the start.

UA
The United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry of the United States and Canada

SMART
The International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers

IBEW
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers

LiLUNA
Laborers International Union of North America

UBC
The United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America
California Community-Based Organizations
Community-based organizations (CBOs) provide a range of additional resources and services for individuals – from career counseling and coaching, to bus passes and job opportunities.

United Ways of California

Association of California Goodwills

California - ACE Mentor Program of America
California Trade Organizations
Trade associations often reflect a united voice of an industry sector, and shape policy, offer unique access to resources and employer connectivity.

CEA
California Energy Alliance

California Solar & Storage Association
National Organizations
- Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA)
- Air Conditioning, Heating, & Refrigeration Institute (AHRI)
- Alliance of Energy Engineers (AEE)
- American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)
- Hispanics in Energy (HIE)
- HVAC Excellence
- Plumbing, Heating, Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC)
- Women in Energy (WIE)
- Women in HVACR
California Veterans Organizations
Veterans organizations provide career counseling, skills training, and job placement assistance tailored to the experiences and needs of military veterans, facilitating their successful transition into civilian employment.

CalVet
California Department of Veterans Affairs

USO
United Service Organizations

VA
Veterans Affairs

Wounded Warrior Project
Community Colleges serve a diverse community and are pivotal in sectors like technology, healthcare, manufacturing, logistics, and transportation.
They prioritize career pathways for economic prosperity, emphasizing fields such as advanced manufacturing, energy, business, and communication.
Tips for finding a community college in your local area:
- Search online using keywords like "community colleges near me" or "community colleges in [your city or region].“
- Visit websites of educational organizations or government agencies specific to your state or region, as they often provide directories or lists of community colleges.
- Use online platforms dedicated to higher education, like the National Center for Education Statistics' College Navigator.These tools allow you to search for colleges based on location, program offerings, and other criteria.
- Talk to educational counselors or career advisors in your area. They can provide personalized guidance and recommendations based on your educational goals and interests.
Consider pursuing an apprenticeship with your local union, where you can gain hands-on experience, industry connections, and the opportunity to “earn while you learn”.
Registered apprenticeships offer a combined approach of on-the-job training and classroom instruction, ensuring skill development and immediate earning potential from the start.

UA
The United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry of the United States and Canada

SMART
The International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers

IBEW
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers

LiLUNA
Laborers International Union of North America

UBC
The United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America
National Community-Based Organizations
Community-based organizations provide a range of additional resources and services for individuals – from career counseling and coaching, to bus passes and job opportunities.

United Way

Goodwill Industries

ACE Mentors of America
National Trade Organizations
Trade associations often reflect a united voice of an industry sector, and shape policy, offer unique access to resources and employer connectivity.

ACCA
Air Conditioning Contractors of America

AHRI
Air Conditioning, Heating, & Refrigeration Institute

AEE
Alliance of Energy Engineers

ASHRAE
American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers

HIE
Hispanics in Energy

HVAC Excellence

PHCC
Plumbing, Heating, Cooling Contractors Association

WIE
Women in Energy

Women in HVACR
Veterans organizations providing career counseling, skills training, and job placement assistance tailored to the experiences and needs of military veterans, facilitating their successful transition into civilian employment.

USO
United Service Organizations

VA
Veterans Affairs

Wounded Warrior Project
Most definitely. HVAC is not only a job, but a career with a lot of room for promotions and pay increases. Some people also aspire to open their own small business after years in the industry.
Generally, HVAC is considered a stable and in-demand field due to the constant need for heating and cooling systems in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.
If you have relevant experience, certifications, and training in HVAC, you may find it easier to secure a job in the field.
Entry-level positions may require less experience but may also face more competition. It's essential to stay updated on industry trends, maintain relevant certifications, and consider networking within the HVAC community to increase your job prospects.
According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in California was around $58,090
Absolutely not. While some students did have some applicable experience in the trades, such as construction, it’s certainly not required. In fact, a significant portion of students enrolled had no prior experience and are now thriving in the industry.
Yes. While each college, program and course schedules vary, there are many weekend and evening options for people who may have existing commitments during the workday.
Programs prepare individuals to apply both technical knowledge and skills to repair, install, service, and maintain the operating condition of air conditioning and refrigeration systems – and sometimes more! This includes instruction in diagnostic techniques, the use of testing equipment, the principles of mechanics, electricity, and electronics as they relate to the repair of air conditioning and refrigeration systems.
No. The program introduces students to various tools, machinery and industry technology and offers both hands-on experiential learning as well as in-class content. Students just need to bring their attention and enthusiasm to learn.
The number of units required to earn an associate’s degree varies; however, many HVAC programs – such as Riverside City College’s Residential HVAC Technology program – is designed for full-time students to complete in 12-18 months.
Yes. Application deadlines will vary by college and program. Visit the institution's website to fine information about application deadlines and semester schedules.
Students who are California residents pay in-state tuition of $46 per unit, whereas students who are non-residents pay out-of-state tuition of $480 per unit. Each course also will routinely require textbooks or other materials.
Depending on your unique situation, there may be financial aid or other supplemental resources available. A good place to start is the financial aid office at your local community college. Staffers at every campus are ready to help you explain what type of financial aid available and what kind of documentation is necessary to see if you are eligible.
If you’re ready to take the next step, click the link below to begin an enrollment application: https://home.cccapply.org/en/