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Environmental Systems Technician/HVAC Installation Technician Apprenticeship

What Does an EST/HVACT Do?
What Are the Working Conditions?
How is the Training Structured?
What are the Application Requirements?
What Skills Should I Possess?
Who Do I Contact?
Additional Resources

Did you know?*

*Statistics retrieved from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

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What Does an EST/ HVACT Do?

Environmental Systems (EST) and HVAC Installation Technicians work with heating, air-conditioning and refrigeration systems that consist of many mechanical, electrical, and electronic components, including motors, compressors, pumps, boilers, fans, ducts, pipes, thermostats and switches. In central heating systems, a furnace or boiler heats air that is distributed throughout the building by a system of metal or fiberglass ducts or piping. Technicians must be able to maintain, diagnose, and correct problems throughout the entire system. They may adjust system controls to recommended settings and test the performance of the entire system using special tools and test equipment. The work involves installing ductwork and installing and wiring environmental control systems and testing and balancing air-handling equipment and hydronic and piping systems.

They install, service, and repair heating and air conditioning systems in residences and commercial and industrial establishments.

Tasks:

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What Are the Working Conditions?

EST/HVACTs may stand and kneel for long periods and lift heavy materials and finished pieces. They are also subject to cuts and burns from soldering and welding, and are required to work at heights with the potential of falls from ladders and scaffolds. They may also work around general dust and fumes and in all types of weather. They usually wear safety glass, hard hats, safety shoes, and hearing protection, but must not wear jewelry or loose-fitting clothing that could easily be caught in a machine. Those performing installation work do considerable bending, lifting, standing, climbing, and squatting, sometimes in confined spaces or awkward positions. EST/HVACTs may work after hours on an emergency basis.

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How is the Training Structured?

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What are the Application Requirements?

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What Skills Should I Possess?

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Who Should I Contact In My Area?

Committee Name Contact This Committee: OR Contact Your BAS Representative:
ABC of Wisconsin 5330 Wall St.
Madison, WI 53718
Phone: (608) 244-6056
Fax: (608) 244-2401

Jane Kramer
Mary Harrington
Kathy O'Sullivan

Rhinelander Area HVAC JAC P.O. Box 518
Rhinelander, WI 54501
Phone: (715) 365-4634
Fax: (715) 365-4603
Debbie Fochs

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Additional Resources

The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics maintains information on all occupations. For more information on the EST/HVACT trade in the United States, visit:

http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos192.htm

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Sources: Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards Position Descriptions,
Apprenticeship in Wisconsin Handbook


 Updated November 25, 2008
 Content Contact: Apprenticeship Staff