A ‘Cooler’ Future: Fast-Track Your Career with EFSC’s 1-Year HVAC/R Program

Are you ready to breeze into a high-demand career? The HVAC/R (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration) program at Eastern Florida State College offers an affordable and comprehensive education designed to prepare students for a high-paying career in this rapidly growing field. Through classroom and hands-on experience, the program equips students to excel in various industries, from residential air conditioning repair to large-scale commercial refrigeration used by hospitals, aerospace, and more.

This year, the HVAC/R program has streamlined its curriculum, transitioning from an 18-month program to an accelerated 1-year program. This allows students gain quality education and experience while also launching their careers faster.

An Exciting, Flexible Career

Colby Horn, a third-semester student in EFSC’s HVAC/R program, discovered his passion through his love of hands-on work and problem-solving. “It really just seemed like fun,” Colby shares, reflecting on what motivated him to choose the program. His experience so far has been rewarding, providing not only practical skills but also real-world job opportunities. Currently employed by BRITS Air Conditioning, Colby works on diverse projects, from residential sites to high-profile assignments at the Kennedy Space Center.

Through the program, Colby has learned the value of teamwork and communication, which he describes as essential for success. He encourages other students to consider HVAC/R, noting, “It’s hard work, but it does pay off, especially if you’re at a good place.” His journey exemplifies the exciting and varied career paths the HVAC/R industry offers for those ready to dive in.

One of the advantages of pursuing a career in HVAC/R is the versatility of the industry. Many HVAC/R technicians work in clean, professional hospitals, retail chains, or schools, where maintaining climate control is essential to operations. Others may even work remotely, using sophisticated computer systems to troubleshoot refrigeration units across multiple states.

The program at EFSC has strong ties with local employers, many of whom regularly hire its graduates. Major, high-paying companies look to EFSC’s outstanding program as a pipeline for the trained professionals they need. Graduates have found exciting work in diverse environments, including hospitals, government buildings, aerospace, and the cruise industry.

From Hands-on Practice, to Field Experience

Nicholas Veit, who entered the program after five years of field experience, found the structured education highly beneficial. “We really get hands-on, learning the proper techniques, learning what things actually mean and how to figure out what issues are,” he explained, underscoring the program’s practical focus. When asked what he would share with prospective students, encouraging them to take the leap, Veit said, “Do it. It’s a great skill. It can be used anywhere in the world. There are great job opportunities and it’s good to get your hands on things.”

The HVAC/R program at EFSC focuses on providing a well-rounded education that starts with the basics of air conditioning systems. Practical hands-on training is the core part of the curriculum. Students spend significant time in real-life scenarios, diagnosing and fixing issues they will encounter in the real world.

By the time they graduate, students will be prepared to step into a great job, with many already employed before they graduate. “Once these students are in their third term, they’re ready to go into the work field. Some of our students are doing service work for companies right now,” said lead instructor Jeff Patton. Now that the curriculum has been condensed into two terms, students can expect to start a new career within a year of starting the program.

Meeting the Needs of Florida’s Space Coast

EFSC President, Dr. James Richey, stated, “The sky-high demand for skilled HVAC technicians translates to strong earning potential and a great future.” On average, journeymen in the field can start at $40,000 or even more per year. But since we are on Florida’s Space Coast, even higher pay rates in our area are possible. As one example, Patton said “Our top student working at the Space Center is getting almost $40 an hour.” With experience, technicians, particularly those in specialized or high-tech fields, can even earn significantly more.

EFSC’s HVAC/R curriculum ensures that students are prepared for the wide variety of roles available in the industry. From understanding the calculations involved in equipment cooling to mastering the latest tools and technologies, students leave the program with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in a variety of work environments.

The HVAC/R program stands out for its strong emphasis on real-world experience, close connections with local employers, and a comprehensive curriculum that prepares students for immediate entry into the workforce. The program is led by experienced and passionate instructors who bring decades of industry knowledge into the classroom.

Graduates from EFSC’s HVAC/R program are well-positioned to thrive in a rapidly evolving field. This one-year program, offered exclusively on EFSC’s Cocoa Campus, totals 1,350 clock hours and is very affordable.

With highly competitive wages, and opportunities in a wide variety of industries, HVAC/R (like electronics) is a field where skilled professionals will always be in demand. For those considering the field, EFSC’s HVAC/R program offers an ideal starting point. In just one year, students can be prepared to enter in-demand roles with top companies, making it a fantastic opportunity for anyone eager to jumpstart a rewarding and cool career in HVAC/R.