Recruiting new service technicians and apprentices can be one of the biggest struggles for any manager in our industry. Talent isn’t easy to find, and companies have become more and more competitive to attract the best of the best...especially from the top trade schools in the country.
If you're looking to find quality trained technicians, consider checking out graduates (and students close to graduating) from these top schools. Let's take a look at the seven most reputable mechanical trade schools in the Mid-Atlantic region. Working with a few of these reputable schools will save you time and help you identify the quality talent you need now and in the near future.
1. Lincoln Tech
Lincoln Tech, located in Columbia, MD, offers certifications in multiple facets of mechanical equipment servicing, including HVAC technology, as well as training in refrigeration and heating. Students here understand the skill sets required to become a service line technician by undergoing rigorous training. They also obtain real-world, hands-on practice, which helps them build skills to understand the mechanisms of HVAC-related industries.
2. Rosedale Technical College
Rosedale offers an Associate’s Degree in Specialized Technology for students who are looking to get hands-on training and knowledge in the commercial and residential application of technical skills. Students will also get extensive knowledge in thermodynamics and design, control system analysis, electricity, and troubleshooting.
3. All-State Career
All-State Career schools in PA and MD offer programs which provide the hands-on training needed to work in industries related to HVAC and refrigeration. Students receive a certificate or diploma (they can choose either or both) upon the completion of their courses and will be a valuable asset as an entry-level service line technician.
4. Montgomery College
Montgomery College offers a variety of courses that can be applied to mechanical trades, including multiple degrees in engineering specialties (such as Civil and Mechanical Engineering) and HVAC Certificate Courses for students looking to explore the HVAC industry. The coursework fine-tunes students through the trio of a hands-on approach, practical knowledge, and academic coursework to ensure they are ready to work in the appropriate industry.
5. YTI Career Institute
At YTI Career Institute, students receive training in the following areas, all of which make them ideal candidates for entry level positions:
- Basic Electricity
- Commercial Refrigeration Systems
- Basic Blueprint Reading
- Maintenance and Service of Heating Systems
- Fundamentals of Air Filtration and Humidification
- HVACR
6. Fortis
Fortis provides students with intensive programs in both HVAC Training and Facilities Maintenance. While the Facilities Maintenance program covers a wide variety of topics, including plumbing and HVACR, the HVAC-focused program is focused intensely on HVAC systems and preparing candidates. If you’re looking to hire someone early in their career with intensive knowledge and hands-on application in HVAC schools, Fortis is a good institute to look into.
7. Frederick Community College
The Frederick Community College offers a workforce development program in HVAC. Students receive basic overviews on thermodynamics and refrigeration, with hands-on experience in a variety of relevant tasks to the field of HVAC repair, maintenance, and installation. Upon completion, students will also have an EPA-608 certification, a required certification when working with refrigerants.
The institutes listed above will be helpful for you when picking out students to recruit for your organization. With the skills and experiences these organizations provide, your new recruits will be valuable assets to your organization.
