There are many education options out there, whether you’re going to be entering the workforce for the first time or transitioning to a new career. You can pursue a four-year degree or attend a community college or a technical institute. The decision process can be stressful.
But if you want secure, rewarding work that lets you get your hands a little dirty, the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration sector is an excellent option. Today, the HVAC-R industry is growing at a historic pace. The U.S. expects to add more than 400,000 jobs this decade. Skilled professionals in this field are well-compensated and highly valued in the community. They keep households comfortable and businesses running at full capacity.
If you’re serious about a future in Maine’s growing HVAC-R industry, the MEMA Technical Education Center is your school!
Our school is partnered with the Maine Energy Marketers Association and its 300+ Maine and New England member companies. These companies support MTEC in various ways, from consulting on lessons to donating equipment to hiring our graduates. More than 90% of our graduates find placement with an HVAC-R company, many before graduation!
One Maine business owner who recently hired two MTEC grads raved about their skills and dedication:
“The level of knowledge they are coming out of school with is impressive, and it’s setting them up for success in the future.”
Our classes are developed and taught by HVAC-R professionals with decades of experience. We will fully prepare you for a thriving career and offer certification and licensing prep in oilheat, propane, natural gas, air conditioning and refrigeration.
“It’s hands-on,” says Bryan Stephens, an MTEC student. “You’ve got a lot of great teachers with so much experience and real-world knowledge. They really set you up for success.”
A heating and cooling career involves helping real people in their homes in critical, satisfying ways. We believe in learning by doing, not just from a textbook. That’s why our students spend up to 50% of their time working with today’s high-efficiency comfort equipment in our state-of-the-art lab facilities, including a 2,400-square-foot oilheat and air conditioning lab and a 1,400 square-foot propane and food-service equipment lab.
“It was awesome! I was thrilled with the amount of hands-on experience,” an MTEC grad, John Delp, says. Today, he works as an HVAC-R technician. “You get a real sense of importance when you’re fixing the heat at a nursing home or an elementary school.”
Many other education pathways require you to take “gen. ed.” classes or other filler that you won’t use in your career. Not MTEC. Our students only focus on the certifications for their chosen fields.
Paul Chapin, an instructor at Portland Arts and Technology High School, tells students considering an education at MTEC, “Be reliable, show up, be professional — then, once you get the skills that MTEC can provide, there’s really nothing stopping you!”
Wherever you are in your professional journey, MTEC offers an accelerated approach to developing your skills and finding HVAC-R jobs. Our six-week Oilheat Technician program eliminates six months of apprentice time. Our 40-Hour Heat Pump Training allows your future customers to receive Efficiency Maine rebates.
This saves you time and helps you become the best HVAC-R technician possible.
“It makes people feel more secure in their homes when they know they have a reliable technician,” says Ethan Hafford, an MTEC grad working in the field. “I’m happy to know people can rely on me.”
At MTEC, you aren’t just a name on a class list. We are invested in your success. And throughout the process, we have your back.
Not sure if HVAC-R is right for you? Try our Ride to Decide program, which lets you spend the day with one of our grads working in your area.
Worried about paying for your training and where you’ll stay? Between 30% and 50% of our students are receiving financial assistance at any given time. Plus, we can help you with affordable lodging while you study.
You can also earn while you learn. We offer multiple scheduling options, including night classes, so that you can continue working a day job while going to school. And our team will help you arrange the state exam, plus supply a classroom to take it in!
“This is such a great value,” Bryan Stephens advises. “Take a chance and get some training. Your success and your ability as a technician will take you where you want to go.”
Are you ready to begin the journey to an exciting career in the heating and cooling sector? Reach out through this website for more information.
We are here to assist you and answer all your questions