In the skilled trades, practical experience is not just beneficial—it’s essential. For aspiring HVAC-R technicians, hands-on training provides the foundational knowledge and technical skills necessary to excel in the industry. This blog explains why hands-on experience is essential in HVAC training, how it prepares students for a successful career and why it’s the first step to mastering refrigeration and other key HVAC systems.
Why Hands-On Experience Is Crucial in HVAC-R Training
In HVAC programs, theoretical coursework provides a much-needed overview of complex, yet impactful concepts such as thermodynamics and magnetism. Without hands-on training, it can be difficult to fully understand how seemingly abstract ideas play out in real-world settings or scenarios. Hands-on experiences spark genuine understanding while offering lower-stakes opportunities to discover the intricacies of HVAC-R installation, maintenance and repair.
Learning By Doing
Hands-on activities appeal greatly to kinesthetic learners, who thrive on tangible experiences. Even other types of learners can benefit from this approach as it translates directly to eventual tasks completed in the field. Learning by doing also promotes precision by allowing you to practice using essential tools and techniques.
Labs or simulations may reflect the HVAC field’s most common challenges. For example, dealing with a malfunctioning air conditioner. While working in the lab, you can explore troubleshooting techniques, using multimeters or pressure gauges to test components. From there, you can determine the root cause along with the appropriate actions, such as sealing leaks or recharging with refrigerant.
Bridging the Gap Between Theory and Practice
Many training programs promise to “bridge the gap” between concepts covered in the traditional classroom and tasks executed in real-world environments, but what exactly does this mean? This idea of “bridging the gap” involves a lightbulb moment, in which a complex concept “clicks” so that it feels accessible. For example, this spells the difference between discussing thermodynamics and actually using this knowledge to make real-world decisions that influence actual HVAC procedures.
Key Components of HVAC Hands-On Courses
There are many ways to bring HVAC-R concepts to life through tangible experience. This will begin in lab environments, where you can actively explore HVAC-R system components along with the many tools and techniques needed to help these systems run optimally.
Working With Refrigeration Systems
Refrigeration systems use advanced mechanisms to absorb and reject heat. This involves manipulating the working refrigerant’s pressure via expansion and compression.1 Essentials such as the compressor and the condenser coil are a lot easier to understand if examined up close, which is where hands-on learning experiences come into play.
Refrigeration coursework encourages you to apply principles such as heat transfer to actual refrigeration systems, offering many opportunities to put diagnostic practices into action and even to practice skills such as brazing.2
Troubleshooting HVAC Equipment
Critical thinking and problem-solving are some of the most important soft skills in an otherwise highly technical field.3 These can be difficult to develop through critical coursework alone, but class-based troubleshooting experiences expose you to the challenges of diagnostics. Through HVAC courses, you can practice a variety of troubleshooting techniques and learn how to use key insights to diagnose issues quickly and accurately.
Preparing for a Career as a Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installer
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the future is bright for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers.4 With the right training and experience, this field can deliver impressive career satisfaction along with a unique blend of professional stability. Set yourself up for success by enrolling in a trusted HVAC-R training program and actively engaging in classes and lab experiences.5
Developing Industry-Specific Skills
Technical skills form the foundation for success in the HVAC-R field. These take many forms, including everything from reading and interpreting blueprints to brazing, leak testing and beyond.6 Many of these skills call for hands-on capabilities and incredible precision, but they must be underscored by a thorough understanding of the field’s theoretical concepts, such as heat flow, gas laws and magnetism, to name a few.7
HVAC-R coursework breaks down these difficult concepts and reveals how they relate to diagnostic procedures, installation, maintenance and repairs. Meanwhile, hands-on opportunities blend advanced theoretical knowledge with problem-solving capabilities, ensuring that theories actually influence everyday HVAC-R tasks and workflows.
Building Confidence Through Practice
Entering the HVAC field can feel overwhelming. The stakes are a lot higher when working with actual clients and navigating unfamiliar settings or situations. Add new techniques and technologies, and it’s easy to see why this field’s learning curve can seem so steep. With HVAC-R programs, much-needed confidence can be developed one step at a time. Each lab or project provides yet another chance to work directly with complex tools and equipment so that, over time, using these can begin to feel second nature.
Advantages of Hands-On Training in Skilled Trades Education
There are many ways to prepare for a bright future in the skilled trades, but few strategies match the credibility and confidence of hands-on training through targeted trade school programs. This approach offers in-depth theoretical coverage along with deeply engaging learning opportunities that help you actively use critical skills.
Immediate Application
Theoretical knowledge matters, but it only goes so far if you are unable to translate this into results as an employable HVAC-R technician. Hands-on training promotes timely application so that you are ready to enter the field and provide excellent service to your very first client or customer. While still enrolled, immediate application can reinforce technical knowledge, making difficult concepts feel easier not only to grasp, but also to retain in the long run.
Career Readiness
Done right, hands-on training allows you to promptly step into the HVAC-R field and feel confident as you complete critical tasks such as calibrating thermostats, repairing ductwork, cleaning coils or installing AC units. As you tackle these and other responsibilities, you will draw on both your advanced theoretical and your wealth of experience, combining both essentials to help guide you as you perform a variety of complex diagnostic, maintenance and installation tasks.
Why Choose SJVC for HVAC-R Training?
Ready to take the next step on the path to HVAC career success? Think carefully before you enroll in a certificate program. You will want to feel confident in the quality of instruction, including both theoretical coursework and hands-on learning experiences.
Comprehensive Curriculum
Covering a wide range of topics relevant to the HVAC technicians of tomorrow, SJVC’s comprehensive curriculum includes fascinating courses that have been purposefully tailored to reflect the greatest challenges and opportunities within the contemporary HVAC industry.
As an HVAC-R student, you will take a deep dive into essentials such as blueprints, codes and safety practices, while also tackling a range of procedures and discovering how these relate to many types of HVAC and refrigeration units. By the time you complete these courses, you should be prepared to confidently enter the field.
The First Step to Your Career Path
In addition to offering immersive coursework, SJVC offers assistance with the practical challenges of getting started in the HVAC-R industry. Our goal is to provide a seamless transition between training and employment. Our Career Services Advisors are happy to help, connecting you with potential employers or even helping you craft a resume that stands out. This extra guidance can even help you plan your dream career and find opportunities that help you feel energized and engaged.
Embrace Hands-On Experiences With SJVC’s HVAC-R Program
Hands-on experience is the foundation of success in the HVAC-R skilled trades. By providing practical training on HVAC-R systems, troubleshooting equipment, and more, HVAC hands-on coursework prepares students for a rewarding career as an HVAC-R technician or Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer. If you’re ready to take the first step toward a fulfilling career, explore SJVC’s Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration program today.
Sources:
1. Fort, D. “Basic Refrigeration: Understanding The Refrigeration Cycle.” Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration News. https://www.achrnews.com/articles/153366-basic-refrigeration-understanding-the-refrigeration-cycle
2. LukasMilhaupt. “Brazing Tips and Techiques.” https://www.lucasmilhaupt.com/Lucas/Downloadable-Content-Assets/LucasMilhaupt_BrazingTipsandTechniquesUSE.pdf
3 Talbot, T. “Where HVAC Soft Skills and Technical Skills Meet.” FieldEdge. https://fieldedge.com/blog/where-hvac-soft-skills-and-technical-skills-meet/
4. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers.” https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/heating-air-conditioning-and-refrigeration-mechanics-and-installers.htm
5. Indeed. “How to Become an HVAC Technician.” https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/how-to-become-a-hvac-technician
6. Indeed. “10 HVAC Skills and How To Highlight Them to Employers.” https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/hvac-skills
7. Orr, B. “Gas Law Concepts for HVAC-R.” Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration News. https://www.achrnews.com/articles/141539-gas-law-concepts-for-hvacr.
