Everyone in the country has used HVAC at one time or another. HVAC, which stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, is something that can be found in every office and commercial building, as well as all homes. With so many units around the country, it stands to reason that there are a lot of jobs in the field. The good news is that there are also HVAC jobs for ex-felons.
There are millions of HVAC units in the country. They work hard to keep homes and buildings temperature controlled, whether people are using heating or air conditioning. At times, they break down and are not working correctly. This is when the business owner or homeowner needs to call an HVAC company out to look at it, determine what is wrong, and then fix or replace it.
About HVAC Jobs for Ex-Felons
Most HVAC companies do not have an issue with people being ex-felons. Their positions are open to those who have been convicted for a crime or who have served in jail or prison. Some companies may have a policy against certain types of crimes, so be prepared to answer questions about your situation honestly. If they ask if you have ever been convicted of a crime it does not mean that they will not hire you.
The best policy is always to be honest about the situation and your record if they ask about it. If they never ask about it then there is no reason to offer the information. If they are not inquiring about whether or not you have a criminal record then they must not have an issue with it in the first place. Most companies in this field will allow ex-felons to work there.
Those who work in HVAC jobs will end up driving around to different buildings and homes. They will be responding to people who are calling for help regarding their unit not working correctly. Upon arriving, you will need to evaluate the situation and HVAC unit to determine what is causing it not work correctly. Once that is determined, you will be able to provide information about what work is needed and what the cost will be. Then the person who called for the service will let you know if they want you to go ahead with doing the work or not.
HVAC Job Facts
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, those working in this field earn an average salary per year of over $48,000, or over $23 per hour. To enter this field and be hired, you will need to have training in HVAC assessment and repairs. The training is often offered by HVAC companies themselves. They offer apprentice programs that provide you with training that you need to be able to do the job.
While there is the option to accept an apprenticeship for training to work in the field, there are other options. Many community college and trade schools offer HVAC programs that will provide you with the knowledge you need to get hired and work in the field. Training programs may last for weeks, months, or years, depending on who is offering and what it includes. Some may be free, others you may have to pay for, and if you have an apprenticeship with a company you will learn the field and get paid to do so. You will be paid a lower rate while you are in training, but will earn more once you complete it and begin handling repair jobs on your own.
Where to Find HVAC Jobs for Ex-Felons
There are many places to find HVAC apprenticeships, training programs, and jobs for ex-felons. Depending on which one you are interested in, here are some places you can look to find them:
- HVAC apprenticeships for ex-felons. Check with the companies in your area that are hiring for HVAC techs or that offer the service. Ask if they have an apprenticeship program and if they have any openings in it. Contact all of them in your area to find out what is being offered.
- Contact the local union hall. HVAC workers have a union and many communities have an office for them. Contact the union office to inquire about training programs, apprenticeships, etc. They should not be hard to find, especially if you ask around or ask someone working in the field in your area.
- Community colleges and trade schools. There are programs offered at community colleges and trade schools that will teach you HVAC skills. The programs are usually open to ex-felons and will teach you all you need to know to get hired in the field.
- Check job boards. Online job boards will often have HVAC jobs for ex-felons that you can apply for. They will likely not say they are for ex-felons, because they are open to everyone. Read the job posting to see if it mentions anything about a criminal record policy.
Entering the HVAC field is a great option for ex-felons. It is a lucrative field that has plenty of openings and they are usually open to those who are ex-felons. Be sure to look into all options in your area to see what is open to you and available. Working in the field will provide you with a stable job that will keep you busy. As you learn more in the field you will be able to earn more.
HVAC jobs abound around the country, so be sure to search around for the companies offering the service in your area. People are always in need of help with their air conditioning and heating units, because they often break down or need to be replaced. Knowing how to repair the units can make you a lot of money. Once you have a lot of experience in the field and know how to assess and repair units, you can also start your own business. Some states require you to be licensed in the field, so be sure to check with your state.
