Heating, Ventilation, & Air Conditioning Technician (HVAC)
Become a Central Texas hero by studying to become a HVAC technician!
Heating, Ventilation, & Air Conditioning Technician (HVAC)
High Demand.
As one of the fastest-growing career fields in the nation, heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration technology offers great job possibilities for those with the right training.
Job Security.
3114 people are employed as Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanics and Installers. This number is expected to increase by 7.35% over the next four years!
Flexibility.
Most HVAC Technicians are able to work the hours they choose to and have the flexibility to create their own schedules!
The Smithville Workforce Training Center (SWTC) offers an HVAC Technician program free of charge to those who qualify thanks to strategic partnerships including the Federal Good Jobs Challenge Grant, Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area, and the American Rescue Plan Act.
How do you qualify for the HVAC Program?
1.) Must currently live or work in Bastrop, Caldwell, Fayette, or Lee County
2.) Men must have registered for selective service prior to 26 years old
3.) Must be authorized to work in the U.S.
4.) Must be eligible to obtain a Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations (TDLR) HVAC Technician Registration Card
5.) Must complete a CASAS Assessment to demonstrate competency to take the HVAC course.
What to Expect in the HVAC Technician program:
The HVAC Technician program has been specifically designed to deliver the skills needed to enter this high growth occupation over a 20 week period. The hands-on program covers the following areas; Introduction to the Construction Industry, Basic Electricity for HVAC, Refrigeration Principles, and the EPA Recovery Certification Preparation. Students will be given the opportunity during the course to take the EPA Certification Exam to become EPA Certified.
Am I eligible to be an HVAC Technician under the Good Jobs Challenge Grant?
Eligibility Status can be verified and checked at the following links and meeting the criteria of the Good Jobs Challenge Grant Listed Above:
Men between 18-26 years old must register for Selective Service:
Verify Registration | Selective Service System : Selective Service System (sss.gov)
Eligibility for the Texas HVAC registration from TDLR can be found below:
Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technician Registration (texas.gov)
Register for the next round of classes at UpSkillMyCareer.
HVAC FAQ’s
Can I get my HVAC Technician Registration if I am under 18 in Texas?
Yes, you can obtain an HVAC Technician Registration as soon as 16 years old in Texas. However, there are some restrictions with certain grants the SWTC manages and all students enrolling in the HVAC program must be 18 at the time of enrollment. The SWTC can assist with the process and reimburse for the cost of the HVAC Technician Registration upon completion once proof of the endorsement is submitted to a case manager.
Can I get an HVAC Technician Registration or EPA Certification if I have a criminal background?
Yes, you can still obtain or renew an HVAC Technician Registration if you had a criminal offense in the past. However, each individual is reviewed on a case by case basis at the Texas Department of Licencing and Regulations by filling out a Criminal History Questionnaire.
Can I still work and take the HVAC Technician Class?
Yes, classes are held in the evenings over a 20 week period allowing the flexibility to work full-time and still attend classes.
Does the Career Skills Development Center Offer Hands On HVAC Training?
The SWTC offers a combination of course work curriculum, hands-on diagnosis and installation training, field trips, and certifications at all of our testing sites. We believe in educating and training all students to be well rounded and prepared for the workforce by not having any restrictions or barriers that would make them less employable. The SWTC works with multiple employers in the region to verify the coursework is in line with what the employers' needs are in the industry.
What Type of Certification will you earn when you complete the HVAC course?
Once students complete the HVAC Technician course and graduate they will earn certificates of completion in Introduction to the Construction Industry, Basic Electricity for HVAC, Refrigeration Principles, and will be EPA Recovery Certified.
Does the Career Skills Development Center Offer HVAC OSHA Safety Training?
Yes, graduates of the HVAC program or HVAC employees of businesses located in Bastrop, Caldwell, Fayette, and Lee Counties are eligible to take pre-approved OSHA Training Free of charge through a Texas Mutual Grant pilot program the SWTC has developed.
Will the Career Skills Development Center Help With HVAC Job Placement?
Yes, the Career Skills Development Center works closely with employers regionally. It is the mission of the SWTC to ensure each student who completes the HVAC course is placed in a job utilizing their newly acquired skill.
Can I Send My Current Employees to Training for HVAC for Free?
Yes, as long as your employees live or work in Bastrop, Caldwell, Fayette, or Lee County and meet some other basic qualifications, eligible employees can receive free HVAC training. As an employer keep in mind the training lasts approximately 20 weeks and is Monday, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 6pm-9pm. Be sure you consider the commitment to your employees to get them HVAC training with their work schedules. Upon the employee completing their HVAC Training and EPA Certification it is a grant requirement the employer gives the employee a salary increase for upskilling. The SWTC County Coordinator will work with the employer and the employee to develop an approved training plan prior to enrollment in the program.
Can I Send an Employee to HVAC Training If They Do Not Qualify Under the Good Jobs Challenge Grant?
Yes, we have options for the HVAC Technician training. If an employee or individual does not qualify for the Good Jobs Challenge grant funding we may have other funding sources such as other grants or scholarships. Employers or individuals can also pay for the cost of the course and enroll in our HVAC training program.