The HVACR industry is undergoing a technological evolution and with these new developments, HVAC instructors are finding it challenging to train new technicians. With new technologies come complex problems to solve. Despite this, industry leaders across the country still maintain that the more familiar trained technicians are with basic fundamentals, the easier it is for them to adapt to the changing landscape. Fundamentals, therefore, form a stable foundation on which newer knowledge can be added.
Why Are HVAC Fundamentals Important?
Teaching contractors the fundamentals and the basics of HVAC systems is essential because every system — old and new — operates by them. Without this foundational information, trained technicians are not equipped to deal with the range of problems that come with advanced systems. Likewise, younger students tend to be more comfortable with adapting to new technology. However, without the basics, they often find themselves unable to handle systems not covered in their education.
What Are HVAC Basics?
Experienced HVAC instructors believe that basic subjects like electronics and math are the keys to understanding new technology. This is because new advancements are grounded in the fundamentals. Applied thermodynamics and electrical theory are just some of the theoretical principles that have not changed to this day. Other subjects include psychometrics, superheating and sub-cooling. Once contractors have grasped these principles, it becomes easier to supplement this knowledge with knowledge of modern systems.
The Generation Gap
Another challenge that HVAC instructors face is the difference in attitude and aptitude between young technicians and those that have been in the HVACR industry for years. Experienced contractors are reluctant to expand their knowledge base because of the value placed in fundamentals. Although this approach cannot be fully discredited, the unwillingness to learn new systems limits these professionals and makes their skill set slightly less relevant in the changing industry.
Budget Constraints
Lack of funds is a huge problem when it comes to HVAC education. Many trade schools suffer from major budget constraints which limits the training that both young and older can receive. Equipment is scarce and schools are resorting to electronic simulation as an affordable alternative. With manufacturers eager to sponsor training facilities, there is hope that training will be more readily available in future.
In addition to budget restrictions, proprietary controls are becoming a rising concern. More and more systems are being operated using proprietary controls. This means that should a system malfunction, a technician needs to visit the manufacturer to fix it. Because controls are becoming computer-related, future contractors might require some IT knowledge, which extends training even further and implies higher education costs.
Better training undoubtedly leads to higher efficiency. With new technologies constantly changing the HVACR industry, contractors require education than ever before. Because new systems are rooted in HVAC basics, learning fundamentals is the highest priority, after which training of new systems can be added. With knowledge of both the old and the new, technicians can stay relevant and equipped to deal with occupational demands.