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HVAC

HVAC and Sheet Metal

Architecture and Construction Career Cluster

Revised May 2024

The Architecture and Construction career cluster focuses on designing, planning, managing, building, and maintaining the built environment. This career cluster includes occupations ranging from architects and carpenters to construction managers, electricians, plumbers, and heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration technicians.

Statewide Program of Study: HVAC and Sheet Metal

The HVAC and Sheet Metal program of study focuses on occupational and educational opportunities associated with installing, servicing, or repairing heating and air conditioning systems. This program addresses fabrication, assembly, installation, and repair of sheet metal products and equipment such as ducts, control boxes, drainpipes, and furnace casings.

Secondary Courses for High School Credit

  • Level 1: Principles of Construction
  • Level 2: Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) and Refrigeration Technology I (Dual Credit through TSTC)
  • Level 3: Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) and Refrigeration Technology II (Dual Credit through TSTC)
  • Level 4: No Level 4 course offered; current sequence completes endorsement requirements

Aligned Advanced Academic Courses

  • Dual Credit: Dual credit offerings through TSTC

Students should consult a counselor to consider these course opportunities to enrich their preparation. AP or IB courses not listed under the Secondary Courses for High School Credit section of this framework document do not count toward concentrator or completer status for this program of study.

Work-Based Learning and Expanded Learning Opportunities

Work-Based Learning Activities

  • Participate in a pre-apprenticeship in HVAC and refrigeration
  • Intern with an HVAC company to practice installing and repairing heating and cooling systems

Expanded Learning Opportunities

  • Job shadow an HVAC technician or cost estimator
  • Participate in SkillsUSA

Example Postsecondary Opportunities

Apprenticeships

  • Heating and Air Conditioning Installer

Associate Degrees

  • Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology
  • Construction Site Management
  • Property Maintenance
  • Sheet Metal Technology/Sheetworking

Bachelor’s Degrees

  • Construction Engineering
  • Construction Management
  • Building/Construction Site Management
  • Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology

Master’s, Doctoral, and Professional Degrees

  • Construction Engineering
  • Construction Management

Example Aligned Occupations

Helpers—Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers

  • Median Wage: $33,348
  • Annual Openings: 2,366
  • 10-Year Growth: 22%

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers

  • Median Wage: $48,722
  • Annual Openings: 3,719
  • 10-Year Growth: 21%

Construction Managers

  • Median Wage: $95,072
  • Annual Openings: 6,325
  • 10-Year Growth: 24%

Aligned Industry-Based Certifications Offered in LCISD

  • See Texas State Technical College (TSTC) for opportunities

Additional Information

Successful completion of the HVAC and Sheet Metal program of study fulfills requirements of the Business and Industry endorsement.

Data Source: TexasWages, Texas Workforce Commission (Retrieved March 8, 2024)

https://tea.texas.gov/academics/college-career-and-military-prep/career-and-technical-education/programs-of-study

Informational graphic about the Architecture and Construction Career Cluster, focusing on HVAC and Sheet Metal.

Architecture and Construction 

HVAC and Sheet Metal

  • Principles of Construction 
  • Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) and Refrigeration Technology I – Dual Credit (Fall) through TSTC 
  • Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) and Refrigeration Technology II – Dual Credit through TSTC

Industry-Based Certifications

  • See Texas State Technical College (TSTC) for opportunities. 

CTE Student Organization – SkillsUSA