Forget about soaring tuition fees and crushing student loans, imagine skipping that traditional college path and plunging straight into a rewarding career that speaks to your hands-on spirit. For many people, entering the skilled trades isn’t just a deviation from convention, it’s a smarter financial and personal choice.

It’s about embracing hands-on learning, enjoying the tangible satisfaction of building and fixing things, and avoiding the shackles of debt while earning a competitive income. More than just an alternative, the trades offer a path where your workday aligns with your natural talents and interests, leaving you fulfilled and empowered each evening, a stark contrast to the potential drudgery of a job mismatched to your true calling.

This isn’t about disparaging higher education, it’s about recognizing that for a significant portion of the population, the trades offer a compelling and financially sound alternative, forging a path to success paved with practical skills, financial stability, and the deep satisfaction of a job well done.

Want to Avoid College Debt? A Career in the Trades as an HVAC Could Be For You

Student loan debt is the second-largest type of consumer debt in the United States, behind only mortgages. Millions of Americans are struggling to repay their student loans, and many are defaulting on their debts.

Federal student loan debt:

• In June 2023, the average federal student loan debt in the U.S. was about $37,650. This figure has been steadily rising over the past few decades, more than doubling since 2007.

Private student loan debt:

• The average private student loan debt is significantly higher, at $54,921 per borrower. This is likely due to the fact that private lenders typically charge higher interest rates than federal lenders.

Now, imagine entering a workforce with that much debt in a country and economy struggling with perpetual inflation and fighting for a job in an over-saturated job market, while hoping to buy a house and start a family.

Then, factor in how you might not fare so well because of recent DEI protocols meant to make America “more equitable” to reverse years of perceived injustice and discrimination.

You might just be their least favorite group, if you know what I mean, and that’s just a few of the things that makes a career in the trades so attractive!

Steps to Become an HVAC Technician

HVAC technicians are in high demand, and the job can be both rewarding and challenging. If you’re interested in a career in this field, here are the steps you need to take:

1. Get the training. There are a few different ways to get the training you need to become an HVAC technician. You can enroll in a vocational program, community college program, or even apprentice under a licensed technician. Most programs will cover the basics of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, as well as electrical work and safety.

2. Get certified. In most states, you’ll need to be certified to work as an HVAC technician. The requirements for certification vary from state to state, but you’ll typically need to pass an exam that covers the knowledge and skills you learned in your training program.

3. Get experience. Once you’re certified, you’ll need to get some experience working in the field. You can do this by starting as an apprentice or helper for a licensed technician. You can also look for entry-level jobs with HVAC companies.

Starting Your Own HVAC Business

Once you have a few years of experience under your belt, you may start thinking about starting your own HVAC business. Here are the steps you need to take:

1. Develop a business plan. Your trades based business plan should outline your goals, target market, marketing strategy, and financial projections.

2. Get the necessary licenses and permits. You’ll need to obtain the appropriate licenses and permits to operate your business in your state.

3. Get insurance. Liability insurance is essential for any business, but it’s especially important for HVAC businesses.

4. Market your business. Once you’re up and running, you’ll need to start marketing your business to potential customers. This can be done through online and offline channels, such as your website, social media, and local directories.

5. Build a good reputation. Providing excellent customer service is essential for building a successful HVAC business. Make sure you’re always on time, professional, and courteous to your customers.

Top Tech Tips for Success in the HVAC Business

• Get specialized training. If you want to specialize in a certain area of HVAC, such as refrigeration or geothermal heating, you can get additional training or certification.
• Network with other HVAC professionals. This can be a great way to learn from others and get referrals for new HVAC business.
• Stay up-to-date on the latest technology. The HVAC industry is constantly changing, so it’s important to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and technologies.
• Be patient. It takes time to build a successful business. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results overnight.

With hard work and dedication, you too can achieve your dream of starting your own HVAC business.

Additional Resources for HVAC and Trades

Remember to check out “Million Dollar HVAC Business: An Entrepreneur’s Guide to Building Wealth in the Industry” and learn how to start and expand your own HVAC business once you become an HVAC technician.