You might be surprised to learn that there are tech jobs that don’t require a degree. But to find the best opportunities, you need to expand your definition of “tech.” There are excellent technology careers beyond coding or programming. HVAC and Refrigeration service is a great example.
Qualified HVAC technicians make more than many programmers. And if you’re in the union, the benefits are better than any corporate job. Plus it’s interesting and rewarding work.
Learn more>
Alternatives to College: High Paying and Rewarding Careers in HVACR
The New HVACR Technician Is All About the “Tech”
But how can you get hired with no education or industry experience? The trick is to figure out what skills are needed for the job you want, build those skills, and get proof to show employers. Here’s how to get started.
1. Find out what IS required for tech jobs (that don’t require a degree)
Just because some tech jobs don’t require a degree, such as HVACR service, doesn’t mean there are no requirements at all. Employers are looking for entry-level candidates who can demonstrate important skills that are needed to succeed in the job.
Your first task, if you want the best chance to get hired, is to find out what those skills are.
In the HVAC & Refrigeration industry, here are the skills and qualities employers look for most in new technicians:
- Dependability and responsibility
- Willingness to work hard
- Commitment to ongoing learning
- Having an aptitude for technology
- Experience with tools
- Having a clean driving record
- Communication and customer service skills
- Being a team player
Learn more> Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Jobs: What’s Required to Get Hired
2. Build required skills
Once you know what skills and abilities are needed to get the tech jobs that interest you, it’s time to work on the areas where you might not excel. If you’re not sure about how good your skills are, talk to others who know you well, such as teachers, coaches or family members.
When you have identified areas to work on, look for opportunities to build those skills. For example:
- If you lack experience with tools, take a shop class at school or ask someone who works in the trades to teach you.
- If your driving record isn’t great, take a driver’s ed class.
- Make an effort to always be reliable: do what you promise and follow through on commitments.
- Read up or watch videos to help you learn things like customer service skills and how to be a good team player.
- BONUS: In a job interview, you can talk about everything you did to learn the required skills for the job you want. That demonstrates a willingness to work hard and a commitment to learning!
3. Get proof
Improving your skills and personal qualities is a great start. But next you need to gather the PROOF you’ll need to convince an employer to hire you, particularly for tech jobs that don’t require a degree. Companies are relying on other sources to verify your qualifications.
Here are some helpful ways to prove your skills:
Get independent verification. When you take advantage of an educational opportunity, in high school, the military, or through another organization, you get some sort of grade or certificate.
Get experience. Job experience can speak volumes about what you’re capable of. Getting a part time job can not only help you build skills, but it can also serve as proof. You can tell stories about the work you did, what you learned, and problems you solved.
Get references. Get other people to vouch for your skills and experience. If you have a job, that’s the best place to start. But you can also ask others who know you well to serve as a reference for employers. When you show up for a job interview, you should come prepared with a list of your references.
Prepare now for a tech career in HVACR service
If you don’t have industry experience yet, learning as much as you can about HVAC and Refrigeration can help you land a job. That’s where we can help.
Check out the content here on HVACR Career Connect NY, including our list of industry resources for technicians. Then sign up to get more helpful information from us in your email inbox.
HVACR Career Connect NY was created to promote the exceptional quality-of-life benefits of a career in HVAC and Refrigeration service, and also to provide a clear path for getting started in the profession. In doing so, we serve as a resource for employers in the New York City metro area to find and hire smart and capable new technicians. We also serve as an educational resource to support business growth and to help service technicians succeed in their chosen profession.
