The HVACR industry is a rapidly changing one, thanks to new advancements in technology. Trained technicians need to keep up with the latest controls and systems that are available on the market and this requires regular training. HVAC instructors can help technicians stay on top of the newest technology.
Despite the fact that the industry is increasingly more complex, the best instructors insist that their students first understand the fundamentals and the basics of HVAC systems. These will not change, while the controls and extra bells and whistles will constantly be improved.
Students learn the concepts of subcooling and superheat, as well as how heating and cooling work. Trained technicians who are fully versed in the basics of the HVAC systems will be able to adapt easier to the more advanced models coming out. After all, everything is based around these basics.
Unfortunately, many HVAC instructors find themselves limited by a lack of funds. When schools are underfunded, the instructors rely on donated equipment to teach their students. This limits much of what can be taught, particularly since many donated machines are older. This does, however, allow teachers to ensure students have a solid base knowledge before they begin to learn about the more advanced models available.
In many cases, instructors end up teaching based on materials sent over by manufacturing companies. This does not adequately replace hands on learning, but it does allow students to learn about the most recent advances in technology and even the upcoming controls which are not yet on the market.
The best solution for students is to find a school that is near enough to manufacturers that they will send people to the school to instruct students. This can be a very valuable opportunity, but location is essential.
More and more trade schools are also turning to simulations as a teaching tool, since these allow students to get more practice than they would from reading a book. It may not be ideal, but the teaching method has proven effective for many.
One of the biggest threats to the HVACR industry is the likelihood of proprietary software and controls in the near future. This would make it more difficult for trained technicians to work with more than one model. In some cases, manufacturers may even keep the information for themselves and ensure that customers have to return to them for repairs and maintenance.
For HVAC instructors and students, learning the basics first is still the best way to go. From there, students can begin to work on improving their computer skills to handle the latest models.