Not All HVAC Schools Are Created Equal! Come and See Brownson Technical for Yourself to Find Out Why
When searching for HVAC schools remember: cost comparison for HVAC programs is not like comparing apples to apples. What do I mean by this? Not all HVAC programs are the same – the quality and depth of HVAC programs can differ greatly. So while one program may be attractive because it is cheaper or has shorter hours, research it thoroughly regardless. Cost is a major factor for most people, but it’s not the only one. Quality is an important factor as well, one that could ultimately impact your employment options and earning potential.
That’s where Brownson comes in. The difference in our curriculum, facilities and job outcomes blows other HVAC schools out of the water.
First, Brownson’s HVAC program has a 1040-hour curriculum, which is 320 hours more than most training programs. This means you’ll graduate with more experience and knowledge than graduates from other HVAC schools, making you a competitive job candidate.
Brownson also teaches cutting edge curriculum. In addition to teaching HVAC essentials we teach DDC and building performance, which are both key to the future of HVAC. Knowing DDC and building performance will be essential for HVAC graduates securing jobs.
Our facilities are comprehensive – they encompass almost everything you’ll find while working in the field. At 12,000 sq. ft., we have the largest HVAC lab in Southern California, with older models, newer models and everything in between. This mimics the variation of equipment you’ll find while out on the job. We also have a 1,700 sq. ft. testing facility, which is a whole house! There, you’ll be able to test different components relating to energy usage.
Lastly, our job outcomes are impressive. 89% of Brownson grads find work in the HVAC industry within 1 year of graduating (based on 2015 statistics). Check other HVAC schools’ gainful employment rates and you’ll realize that statistic is a hard one to beat.
How Do You Measure If a Program Is Worthwhile? Look for Gainful Employment Disclosures!
One thing to look for while you research HVAC schools is gainful employment disclosures, or GEs. GEs show the cost and completion rate of a program. They should easily be found on any school’s website with a site search or under consumer information. Keep in mind the department of education requires this disclosure by law, so they should be posted in an obvious and accessible place.
These stats are a good indicator of the quality of the program and school itself. As a potential student you should ask yourself, do students from this program go on to become gainfully employed? Do they complete the program at all? Many schools are missing parts of the disclosure (such as graduation rates), or they don’t include disclosures at all. This is a bad sign! Be sure to ask the school why they are missing this info and what those numbers are.
There’s one more important thing to note when it comes to GEs. Community Colleges have been exempt from having to post GE disclosures, but they will be required to disclose employment and grad rates in the future, which have historically been quite low in comparison to career colleges. Be sure to compare GE rates between community colleges and career colleges to get an idea of which will best prepare you for pursuing an HVAC career.
The Best Indicator of Quality? Visit The School!
It is also important to visit the school to see what the equipment is like. Is the technology current? Are there various models so that your training will cover the full spectrum? Does the program fully encompass both residential and more complex computerized commercial installations, like the one at Brownson? The answer to all of these questions should be yes.
Last Thoughts
Be mindful about which HVAC school you choose, because if the curriculum skimps on HVAC essentials or industry innovations in exchange for shorter program hours, that could ultimately cost you a job once you’re out searching for employment. At the end of the day the better your training is the more prepared you will be for advanced positions.
Good luck with researching HVAC schools. During your exploration we invite you to come down and visit Brownson for yourself to get a feel for what the campus has to offer. If you have questions talk to one of our Admissions Advisors. They’ll be happy to answer any of your questions and give you a tour of the HVAC shop. We know you may have questions about HVAC schools cost, so be sure to chat with one of our Financial Aid Advisors. They’ll be happy to sit down and work out a solution that fits your unique financial needs.