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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.
 

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San Bernadino Valley College seal
San Bernardino
San Bernardino Valley College
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Riverside City College seal
Riverside
Riverside City College
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college of the desert
Palm Desert
College of the Desert

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)

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UA364
San Bernadino and Riverside County
UA Local 364

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

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SMART105
Los Angeles, Orange, and Riverside County
SMART Local 105

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International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) 

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IBEW440
Riverside
IBEW Local 440

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IBEW447
San Bernardino
IBEW Local 447

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LiLUNA783
San Bernardino
LiUNA Local 783

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IELC
Riverside and San Bernardino County
The Inland Empire Labor Council

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The United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America (UBC)

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UBC909
San Bernardino
UBC Local 909

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UBC951
Riverside
UBC Local 951

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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.

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IREN
IREN

The Inland Regional Energy Network

Find Out More

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RWFD
Riverside County Workforce Development
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SBWFD
San Bernardino County Workforce Development Board
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United Way logo
Inland SoCal United Way
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Goodwill
Goodwill Industries – Southern California
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ACE
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.

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IHACI
IHACI

The Institute of Heating and Air Conditioning Industries, Inc. 

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GRID
Grid Alternatives Inland Empire

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.

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SanBernardionVA
San Bernadino Veterans Affairs
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WWP
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!

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Foothill Community College logo
San Jose
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Laney College seal
Oakland
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San Jose City College logo
San Jose
San Jose City College
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Diablo Valley College logo
Pleasant Hill
Diablo Valley College
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Gavilan College logo
Gilroy
Gavilan College

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Butte College logo
Butte Valley
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Sac City College logo
Sacramento

Sacramento City College

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Bakersfield_College_logo
Bakersfield
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West Hills College Coalinga logo
Coalinga
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Fresno City College logo
Fresno
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Merced College logo
Merced
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San Joaquin Delta College logo
Stockton
San Joaquin Delta College
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College of the Sequoias logo
Visalia
College of the Sequoias

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Cypress College logo
Cypress
Cypress Community College
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Compton College logo
Compton
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LA Trade Tech College logo
Los Angeles
Los Angeles Trade-Technical College
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Mt Sac Antonio College logo
Walnut
Mt. San Antonio College
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El Camino College Logo
Alondra Park
El Camino College
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Orange Coast College logo
Costa Mesa
Orange Coast College

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San Bernadino Valley College seal
San Bernardino
San Bernardino Valley College
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Riverside City College seal
Riverside
Riverside City College
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college of the desert
Palm Desert
College of the Desert

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Oxnard College
Oxnard
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CollegeoftheCanyons
Santa Clarita
College of the Canyons
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Ventura
Ventura
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AntelopeValley
Lancaster
Antelope Valley College
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CuestaCollege
San Luis Obispo
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Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara City College

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Imperial
Imperial
Imperial Valley College
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MiraCosta
Oceanside
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Palomar
San Marcos
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San Diego
San Diego

San Diego City College

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Southwestern
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.

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UA logo
UA

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

Find a Local in Your Area

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SMART logo
SMART

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

Find a Local in Your Area

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IBEW logo
IBEW

International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers

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LIUNA logo
LiLUNA

Laborers International Union of North America

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UBC logo
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.

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United Way logo
United Ways of California
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Goodwill
Association of California Goodwills
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ACE
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.

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CEA
CEA

California Energy Alliance

Find Out More

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CSSA
California Solar & Storage Association

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.

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CalVet
CalVet

California Department of Veterans Affairs 

Find Out More

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USO
USO

United Service Organizations

Find Out More

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VA
VA

Veterans Affairs

Find an Office Near You

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WWP
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.

Image
UA logo
UA

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

Find a Local in Your Area

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SMART logo
SMART

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

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IBEW logo
IBEW

International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers

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LILUNA logo
LiLUNA

Laborers International Union of North America

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UBC logo
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.

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United Way logo
United Way
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Goodwill
Goodwill Industries
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ACE
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.

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ACCA
ACCA

Air Conditioning Contractors of America

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AHRI
AHRI

Air Conditioning, Heating, & Refrigeration Institute

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aee
AEE

Alliance of Energy Engineers

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ASHRAE
ASHRAE

American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers

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HIE
HIE

Hispanics in Energy

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HVACExcellence
HVAC Excellence
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PHCC
PHCC

Plumbing, Heating, Cooling Contractors Association

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WIE
WIE

Women in Energy

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WomenHVACR
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.

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USO
USO

United Service Organizations

Find out more

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VA
VA

Veterans Affairs

Find Out More

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WWP
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/