constructing your future consider a career in...

CONSTRUCTING YOUR FUTUREConsider a Career in Plumbing, Heating,Ventilation, Air Conditioning (HVAC)

Written by David Shapiro & June Nicholas

All Rights ReservedCopyright © 2004

Plumbing-Heating-CoolingContractors National Auxiliary

ISBN # 0-96-77350-3-3Printed in the United States of America

First Printing

Sponsored by:Ferguson Enterprises

&PHCC-National Auxiliary

For additional information or how to order books contactDavid Shapiro

Shapiro & Duncan, Inc.14620 Rothgeb DriveRockville, MD 20850

240-778-2160e-mail: [email protected]

This book may be reproduced or downloaded from www.phccweb.org/auxiliary

Editor: David ShapiroCo-Editor: Dr. Noma Roberson

1CONSIDER A CAREER IN PLUMBING AND HVAC

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements ..................................................................................2What do you want to do after high school?...........................................3Have you considered construction?........................................................4What would a career in construction involve? ......................................4Where are the jobs and what do they pay? ...........................................5What does the construction industry include? ......................................5Is there more about HVAC and refrigeration?.....................................6Is there more about plumbing and pipefitting?. ...................................7How is the industry changing? ................................................................8How is the computer used for construction? ........................................8Is the work dangerous?............................................................................9What education do I need?.....................................................................9How would I start out in the workplace?.............................................10What about planning and management?.............................................10What about design and engineering?...................................................12What do I need to learn? ......................................................................13Do I have to take tests or get licensed?...............................................14What other skills should I have? ..........................................................14Where might I get work?.......................................................................15Where else could I go with my career?................................................15What might I do during a typical workday? ........................................16Conclusion...............................................................................................16For more information ............................................................................17Sources ....................................................................................................17Websites, Career Ideas and Teacher Resources ...................back cover

2CONSTRUCTING YOUR FUTURE

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Special thanks to Plumbing, Heating, Cooling Contractors-National AuxiliaryPresident, Dr. Noma Roberson; David Shapiro, Education Chairman; Marcia Shapiro,Education Committee; Sheldon Shapiro of Shapiro & Duncan, Inc.; Dr. Gerry Kennedyof Plumbing, Heating, Cooling Contractors-National Association; Willie Roberson ofW.C. Roberson Plumbing & Construction; Georgine O’Donnell of Association ofContracting Plumbers of New York; Dr. Cinda Raley and Joe Walsh for their time andenergy in the production of this booklet.

Thanks to Lynn Heidler of Heidler, Inc. and Linda Bienvenu of Bienvenu BrothersEnterprises for the brochure design.

Thanks to the following for their contributions and support: Western New YorkPlumbing Mechanical Contractors Association, New York State Association of PHCC,Inc., Auxiliary of the New York State PHCC, PHCC Metro Washington-Auxiliary, SLRContracting & Service Company, Inc., and Alex Hutcherson, Area Manager of FergusonEnterprises, Washington, DC.

Written by David Shapiro & June NicholasEditor: David Shapiro, Shapiro & Duncan, Inc.Co-Editor: Dr. Noma Roberson, PHCC-NA Auxiliary

Photographs provided by the following:

Alex Hutcherson, Ferguson Enterprises, Washington, DC.Bienvenu Brothers Enterprises, Metairie, LA.Shapiro & Duncan, Inc., Rockville, MD.Sundra L. Ryce, SLR Contracting & Service Company, Inc., Buffalo, NY.Willie Roberson, W.C. Roberson Plumbing & Construction Corp., Buffalo, NY.Heidler, Inc., Annapolis, MD


CONSTRUCTING YOUR FUTUREConsider a Career in Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning (HVAC)

Take a moment and consider all theoptions. You might consider college but won-der what to study or whether you can meet thecommitment. It takes at least four years toobtain a bachelor’s degree, and some fieldsrequire a master’s degree or a doctorate inorder to obtain work. College is expensive, soyou may decide to work while attendingschool to gain experience in your chosen field.You might find that you can only work at entrylevel until you have completed at least twoyears of college, and you usually won’t work atcareer level until after graduation. Somegraduates can’t find work to match theirdegree field.

The military is another option. If you wantto become an officer, a college degree is nec-essary. You may be unsure about committingfor a specific length of time or worried aboutcombat or separation from family. Thoughthere are many career options in the military,you want to guarantee that whatever youchoose will have some application in civilianlife, as well.

What about going to work directly aftergraduation? You can make money quickly,however, with limited skills come limited

income. It can be difficult to get interesting orchallenging work unless you are able to workat a company where friends and family arealready employed and can help you. Retail,fast food, or factory work may be your onlyoptions. Minimum wage jobs offer few or nobenefits and limited advancement withoutadditional schooling. It is typical to work atless-than-desirable shifts or schedules.

Perhaps you are considering attending acommunity college or technical/specialtyschool. The time commitment is shorter. Youcan earn a certificate or degree, and you havemany choices in instruction. Programs varyfrom a few months to two years, and are easi-er to enroll in and less costly than a four-yearcollege. Some programs offer quick financialresults for the education you undertakebecause you get to work at career level soon-er. The big question to consider is what youwant to do.

What do you want to do after high school?

Sundra Ryce discusses plans with her staff. Shestarted working in her father’s plumbing businessand formed her own construction company in1996. Her clients include the military, state agencies, and numerous businesses around Buffalo, NY.

High School teachers visiting fabrication shopduring Career Day.


There is always a need for skilled construc-tion workers, especially those with post-sec-ondary (after high school) training. The con-struction industry is the largest employer out-side of the government (and also employspeople in government). Over four millionpeople are working in construction right now,and women and minorities make up to onethird of all construction workers.

The pay is good, and some constructioncareers pay better than those requiring a bac-calaureate program. Advancement is based

on experience as well as education. Someareas are in desperate need for qualifiedworkers, but construction work is performedall across the country. One thing is certain:the future will change the way we work. Airand water quality, environmental protection,smart homes, energy efficiency and energyalternatives are all impacting how we performour work and how we train for future employ-ment. You can have a direct impact on thelives, safety, health, and comfort of people.

Have you considered construction?

Variety - every day is different, no two jobsare quite the same, and the work can be chal-lenging. New opportunities come every day -problems that need to be solved, new productsto consider, new techniques that make work-ing easier and offer greater building quality.Many folks like the ability to work outdoorsrather than sit at a desk all day. Others loveusing computer technology to design homes,buildings, factories, and even whole communi-ties.

It helps in construction to have mechanicalaptitude. However, don’t let that limit you.Do you have good organizational skills? Youmight enjoy planning construction jobs orensuring that materials and services are pro-vided when working crews need them most.

Are you a visual person; do you see pictures inyour mind? If you like to solve problems orare creative, you might be good at improvisingsolutions when unforeseen problems arise.Do you have good “people skills?” Do you getalong well with others and enjoy talking tonew people and working in new situations?You might enjoy working as a foreman or asupervisor because of the opportunity to workwith different people and construction disci-plines at different job sites. This might be thecareer for you.

Work in construction offers good money,and the work is essential. What you are doingaffects how people live and work, ensures thatnecessary services like clean water and sanita-tion are available, that the living and workingclimate is comfortable and safe, and thatbuildings, structures, and roadways withstandthe forces of nature and the passage of time.Many people love construction work becausethere is great satisfaction in seeing somethingcreated and built right before their very eyes -you get to see the completion of your ownwork.

You have the opportunity to indulge inyour interests, whether you like designing asystem or building from scratch, servicing andrepairing equipment and systems that arealready built, or even performing restorationwork for historical interest. You can operate

What would a career in construction involve?

Apprentices assemble PVC piping in a training exercise.


a variety of machinery and vehicles and youwill use the computer and computerizedequipment more than you might realize.Changes in technology continue to improveworking conditions, safety, and efficiency, andyou will be trained to keep up with thechanges. The construction industry evolves asnew environmental concerns require newmethods of performing work, and new materi-als are created to safeguard the environment.Stronger, lighter, and more innovative materi-als and products are constantly created thatbring increased versatility and lower costs. Aspopulations shift and needs change, methods

change to continue to offer the best in com-fort, safety and affordability.

You could even be your own boss. Youcould become an independent contractor orown your own business and employ others.You might find the financial aspects intrigu-ing. You could prepare and bid on work con-tracts and oversee work budgets, or you couldbecome involved in the sale of constructionproducts or services. You could become amaster at your craft, commanding a highsalary because of your talent and experience.You might go into design and engineeringwork. The opportunities are endless.

What would a career in construction involve?...continued

The United States Department of Laborrecently reported that most construction andmechanical contracting jobs could expect togrow by 20-25 % over the course of the nextdecade. It is estimated that we will need aquarter million HVAC technicians and nearlyhalf a million plumbers and pipe fitters in thenext several years to meet demand. In someareas, demand for new housing far outstripssupply, and interest rates have been favorablefor several years for construction loans.

What kind of money could you make?Plumbers and HVAC workers consistentlymake some of the best salaries in construc-tion. Apprentices can earn up to $35,000 ayear, and skilled journeymen can earn$100,000 a year, depending on their skills,training, and career path. Specialty workerscan make even more money. Constructionengineers start at $30,000-$55,000, and experi-enced engineers can earn over $100,000 ayear.

Where are the jobs and what do they pay?

Many disciplines and services are includ-ed. Disciplines include industrial, residential,commercial, and government, and militaryconstruction. Services include piping for hotand cold water, waste and sanitation, chemi-cals or food products, steam and power, firesuppression, fuel and natural gas, medicalgases, or even nuclear systems. Concrete isused for foundations, walls, floors, roadways,and in innovative products such as kitchencounters. You might work with asphalt to layroadways, or use stone, brick and othermasonry products to construct a building.You could join and weld steel for a building’sskeleton or construct an entire ship or subma-rine. You may use wood, drywall or plaster,

continued next page

Supply and return lines serve a supply duct assembly containing cooling coils and air filters.

What does the construction industry include?

windows, doors, and a variety of finishing androofing materials to create sought-afterhomes or to restore treasured historical sites.You might install cable and equipment to sup-ply power or the latest telecommunicationsservice. You may devise whole systems for cli-mate control, from heaters and coolers, to theductwork, fans, insulation and components

necessary for air control and circulation. Oryou may create industrial clean rooms or med-ical operating theatres, or provide fire protec-tion, security capability, move people andmaterials with elevators or other transportsystems, or even create entertainment venuesas part of a construction job.

You might plan and lay out job sites toprovide for storm water control to safeguardbodies of water, or to construct buildings onmanmade land or over water where the capa-bility did not exist a few decades ago. All ofthis work involves machinery operation, fromtrucks and excavators, to cranes and tunnel-cutters. You might consider designing forniche markets like kitchen/bath design, med-ical systems, or industrial systems. You mayconsider working as an estimator; you wouldestimate cost and labor, schedule work andtemporary support services, and create workpackages and material kits for larger jobs.You may consider a career in humanresources, where you would hire and trainother qualified workers. Or you may work asa building inspector to interpret buildingcodes, regulations and standards and ensurethat construction adheres to these codes.


An air conditioning chiller is a heat exchanger that cools down water. The water is circulatedthrough the building to various cooling coils located in ductwork.

HVAC stands for “heating, ventilation,and air conditioning.” Often, you will see theletter R as well, meaning “refrigeration.”HVAC and refrigeration systems are used inhomes, office buildings, factories and industri-al plants, stores and malls, hospitals, in air-planes, ships, cars, trucks and trains, and inschools and colleges. These systems help keepfood and medical supplies safe, air clean andcomfortable, protect computers from over-heating, and safeguard working conditions.

HVAC technicians or mechanics install,maintain, repair, and modernize ventilation,heating, cooling, refrigeration/cryogenic, envi-ronmental and industrial systems, equipment,and controls. They typically work with airconditioners, fans and motors, filters, steam,hot water, or fossil fuel heating systems, elec-tric and geothermal heat pumps, radiant heat,waste heat, furnaces, boilers, refrigeration

units, heat exchangers, evaporators, and com-pressors, specialty and industrial sheet metaland flexible ducting, refrigerant and coolantpiping, sensors, gauges, electricity and elec-tronic controls. As a specialist you could workon large scale chillers and cooling plants,devise industrial ventilation to cut down onairborne particles or noxious gases, design andinstall refrigeration or cryogenics chambersand systems, or even design solar energy sys-tems that provide heat, hot water and electric-ity. You might be asked occasionally torecharge refrigerant (such as R-22) or repairleaks in refrigerant piping, or install an airconditioner and ducting in a home that cur-rently has none. You might perform heatingor cooling load calculations to size a heatingand cooling system for a new building orresize one that has been expanded and modi-fied. You may design building air ducting for

Is there more about HVAC and refrigeration?

What does the construction industry include?...continued


installation where each piece is individuallyfabricated and routed around existing obsta-cles in the building.

Growing concerns over indoor air qualityhave encouraged new specialties, includingproviding clean rooms for the manufacture ofmedicinal products or high quality computercomponents, air filtration and vacuum sys-tems to entrap pollutants and allergens, andindustrial ducting and ventilation systems toexhaust poisonous or noxious chemical fumes,dusts, and particles to keep workers safe andreduce fire and explosion hazards. A hundredyears ago, creative builders devised systems tocool entire buildings, such as Carnegie Hall,with blocks of ice in order to help people bemore comfortable. Now we have the ability tocondition and reclaim air in such a mannerthat we can live and work comfortably almostanywhere on our planet, as well as under-

ground in mines a mile below the planet’s sur-face, and in our oceans in submarines, andalso now in space on the International SpaceStation.

Insulated circulation piping for a heating loopare labeled for easy identification.

Is there more about plumbing and pipefitting?

Plumbers traditionally install, maintainand repair hot and cold running water andsanitation (wastewater, sewage, grease trap-ping) piping, equipment and systems. Everyhome and business benefits from plumbingservices. Did you know that the Greeks,Babylonians, Romans and their contempo-raries invented and perfected heating, plumb-ing, and sanitation systems more than 2,000years ago? Knowledge of these systems wasforgotten for over 1,500 years! Most homes inAmerica didn’t even have indoor plumbinguntil well into the 20th century.

Plumbers select and install fixtures andappliances such as toilets, sinks, dishwashers,washing machines, showers, baths, and othercomponents for bathrooms, kitchens, andlaundries in homes. They also provide sys-tems and commercial equipment for restau-rants and bars, hospitals, hotels, schools,offices and public buildings, and shops andmalls. Often specialty systems are neededsuch as compressed air or cutting fluid collec-tion for industrial plants, or sterilizers andmedical gases for hospitals. Plumbers alsoinstall fire suppression systems.

Plumbers install piping and tubing, fit-tings, pumps, valves, gauges and control

devices. You could be a pipe fitter or steamfitter and install a variety of piping systems forpower plants (such as steam, cooling or seawa-ter, and fuel) or industrial process plants (suchas chemicals, food stuffs and slurries, or petro-leum products). You might install compressedair and industrial gases like nitrogen, orhydraulic and pneumatic (air) power and con-trol systems. Occasionally you’ll performrepair or modification work to install a newpump, repair leaking piping, or service valvesor pumps. You might prefabricate some ofyour piping assemblies in the shop and thenbring them to the job site and complete theassembly there, rather than assemble every-thing in the field. You might work in build-ings, at factories, on aircraft or spacecraft, oron ships and submarines. You may learn tobraze or weld, cut, bend and thread metalpipe, or you may work with PVC or flexibletubing. You may hydrostatically test piping tomake sure it doesn’t leak, or clean out drainpiping or service test and inspect pumps orother equipment to determine how theyshould be repaired.

You have probably heard of computer-aided drafting/design. Drafters use computersfor creating designs, layouts, assembly draw-

ings, and parts and materials schedules.Three-dimensional visualization helps design-ers and engineers lay out and compare indi-vidual and multiple structural, piping, ventila-tion and electrical details to ensure that noth-ing interferes with anything else. Computeraided manufacturing is used in the fabricationof duct assemblies, welding and joining,machining and manufacture of specific com-ponents such as valve or pump housings.There is increasing use of automatic controlsfor climate control, fire and smoke detectionand suppression, and process controls.

Software packages for job estimation andproject management ease the task of prepar-ing material and labor cost estimates, and just-in-time parts and inventory control help withthe ordering and tracking of constructionmaterials and material packages. Managersand supervisors also use the computer to


How is the industry changing?Newer heat pumps are available which

better utilize the Earth’s own heating andcooling in order to provide efficient heatingand cooling for your home. Air quality is bet-ter, thanks to better filtration and air cleaningor vacuuming systems that remove dust parti-

cles, pollen and allergens, and molds.Computer-controlled systems continue toimprove, too. Some are so sophisticated theycan brew your morning coffee as well as regu-late your house’s temperature.

New water reclamation and purificationmethods include reverse osmosis, ultravioletlight, and desalination. Environmental con-cerns continue to affect how plumbing fixturessuch as toilets and shower nozzles aredesigned in order to save water, and bettermixing and control valves make regulatingwater temperature safer to prevent scalding.

Asbestos insulation and ozone-depletingrefrigerants have long been replaced withmore environmentally friendly materials, andtechnological advancements in manufacturingmean that more reliable and more efficientproducts continue to be created. TheChunnel and the International Space Stationare two of many technological achievementsthat continue to provide new challenges forHVAC and plumbing and pipe fitting applica-tions.

A building’s water supply contains a combination of valves and components to regulate pressure, prevent backflow, and traplarge particles, to keep our water safer.

How is the computer used for construction?

Drafters use the computer to generate drawings, to create parts lists, and to compare multiple views of construction layouts.


develop and track construction schedules sothey can predict when products and servicesare needed. Supervisors and crews rely on thelatest telecommunications equipment, and

technicians use all kinds of electronic testingand diagnostic equipment, such as sensors fortemperature and pressure, laser precisionpositioning, and welding quality.

Is the work dangerous?Any construction work can be dangerous,

just like working in a steel mill, factory, themilitary, or even a hospital. Most construc-tion work is performed outdoors, so theweather has to be considered. Constructionsites can be loud, dirty, and hazardous, somost workers and supervisors wear hard hats,safety glasses, safety shoes, welding gloves,and other personal protection equipment asneeded. Some industries are inherently dan-gerous, such as nuclear power or petrochemi-cal plants, but workers are well trained tounderstand the dangers and work appropri-ately. There are regulations from theOccupational Safety and Health Act andother federal and state sources that governworker safety. Sometimes you might have towork in cramped, uncomfortable surround-ings in order to install piping or a piece ofequipment or ducting. You might be inclined

to think that all the personal protection is abother, and you just want to “get in there andget the work done.” Don’t be fooled, howev-er, just because a situation looks safe; the pro-tective clothing, tools and precautions are foryour safety. Mostly, just use good judgmentand common sense. You certainly won’t bebored!

What education do I need?Some amount of post-secondary education

is essential. You will find, however, that inconstruction, on-the-job training is as impor-tant as education. How much education youneed is dependent on the career path youchoose and what you are interested in learn-ing and being qualified to do. Typically youcould attend a community college or technicalor trade school and obtain a specialty certifi-cate or an associate’s degree in your field.Many engineering and industrial societies andtrade associations also offer training in tradi-tional classes, by video, or online in order foryou to refresh your skills.

Look for a registered apprenticeship orunion trade program that combines educationwith real world job experience and hands ontraining (work-based learning). Some pro-grams last 4-5 years, and you would work inthe summer or on a seasonal or regular basis.The more formalized the program, the better.The more training and experience you receive,the more money you earn. You might thinkyou’d be better off going to college if you’reputting in that much time, but how many col-leges will pay you to work AND study?

A pipefittercuts steel

pipe with acuttingtorch.


Foremen and forewomen have moved upthrough the ranks to become supervisors andcoordinators of work crews and specific jobs.They have great knowledge of their craft ortrade. They inspect drawings, ensure job safe-ty and make sure that the work progressessmoothly. They work with foremen fromother disciplines to ensure that all neededservices are provided, that the systems andequipment are installed in a manner and aschedule that works best for everyone, thatnothing interferes with the installation of any-thing else, and that all work is completed in atimely manner. They will oversee the routingand staging of materials and equipment andeven entire work package pallets, and willoversee the testing and turnover of the finalproduct to the owner. Foremen need to be

clear thinkers and have a good eye for detail;they often have to make quick decisions basedon the daily changes at the job site, theirknowledge of their craft, and what they haveexperienced in the past.

General foreman work on large job sitesthat oversee multiple jobs and crews. There isgreater management responsibility, includingmaking personnel decisions, and they workdirectly with owners, designers and engineersto get the job done.

Estimators (sometimes called planners)review the job site, design drawings, and mate-rial specifications to determine the materialsand equipment that need to be ordered. Theywork with the foremen, designers, and projectmanagers. They review building codes andwork methods/standards to determine what

What about planning and management?

You would be known as an apprentice.Apprentices learn on the job while in schooland are paid while they learn. They learn bydoing in addition to learning from instructorsand from textbooks. They work side by sidewith journeymen and supervisors, learninghow to install fixtures or fittings, how to main-tain equipment and tools, read blueprints andmaterial lists, follow codes and regulations.Your employer usually pays for your school-ing, though you may be asked to work for him

for a certain period of time afterward.Scholarships and student loan programs arealso available to help defray the cost. Manyhigh schools offer apprentice and summerworker programs; take advantage of them andgain experience and knowledge even morequickly!

Journeymen are skilled workers who havecompleted their apprenticeship. Pay is better,and you gain responsibility. Journeymen canhandle more complex work, can work inde-pendently, and often continue supplementaltraining to learn more specialty work or tokeep abreast of changes in equipment andtechniques. They may work with work pack-ages or kits at larger construction sites, whichcontain all the materials, tools, and informa-tion necessary to complete the installation.They may also prefabricate and test certainpipe or duct assemblies in their shop, thentake them to the job site to complete installa-tion there.

Masters are experts in their craft who canhandle specialty work or very involved proj-ects. Licensing or examination is usually nec-essary to become a certified master, but theyare often their own contractors!

How would I start out in the workplace?

Apprentices discuss flow problems in a pipefitting class.


equipment and services might be necessary,and review the work schedule to ensure thatservices and materials are provided at theright time. They select and price materials,estimate the quantity of materials needed,find vendors who will sell them the products,get bids, and purchase the products. They willhelp determine budgets, or work within exist-ing budgets. They will also solicit bids for sup-port or specialty services such as welders orriggers, or arrange for temporary services suchas power or compressed air. Estimators willalso estimate the cost of the work requiredand what amount and type of labor will beinvolved, and will create and track job ordersfor the materials, the work performed, and theservices provided. Estimators often workunder pressure, so accurate work is essentialand good organization skills really come inhandy. Larger job sites often require materi-als and tools, drawing plans, installation meth-ods and standards, and equipment and systemtests to be gathered or bundled into work kitsor work packages, so estimators will oftendetermine what is necessary for each workpackage.

Supervisors (who may also be called super-intendents or project managers) administratespecific projects and oversee the entire projectdesign and construction process from concep-tion to turnover. They work with the owner todetermine what the job requirements are andto ensure the final product that is deliveredmeets the owner’s satisfaction. Supervisorsare instrumental in developing the productionor key events schedule, which is necessary toproperly sequence work and services. Theymay review design drawings for completenessand accuracy; may select, approve, and receivematerials and services; and may order tests orinspections for equipment. Supervisors over-see construction work, inspect it for quality,and work with foremen to coordinate jobs andcrews in order to meet the production sched-ule. They have to be good problem solvers,organized and methodical, but also be flexiblein decision-making when problems arise.

You may even want to consider construc-tion management. Construction managersreceive some engineering training, but alsostudy and use training in financial and person-

nel management, including estimating andaccounting, law, risk management, humanresources, and personal and environmentalsafety. Construction management degreeprograms are increasingly available at collegesand universities, who recognize that tradition-al management degrees don’t take intoaccount the differences required for effectivemanagement in large, industrial settings.

Experienced foremen continue their education to keep up with new technology.

Kids and teens assemblepipe, examine fittings,and study plans at theNational BuildingMuseum in Washington,DC to introduce them toconstruction.


Designers or drafters prepare drawingsand plans for use by the construction crews,often at the direction of a design engineer.They may make sketches out in the field toplan what work is to be conveyed in the draw-ings, or they will work from an engineer’ssketches. Drafters then develop the drawingsby hand (or increasingly by computer withdrafting software such as AutoCAD®).Drawings could describe new installations, ormodifications of existing installations. Theyshow dimensions and details, specify whereequipment is to be laid out and where servicesare to be routed, provide instructions for fab-rication and assembly, and list all of the mate-rials and components necessary to do thework. They will also describe how the com-pleted work is to be tested or proven for satis-factory performance. Sometimes they willprepare assembly drawings for prefabricationwork, as well as layout drawings to showwhere the prefabricated assemblies will belocated.

Engineering or architectural technicians,construction technicians, and construction sci-entists typically receive associate’s degrees orbachelor’s degrees in engineering technology.Degree programs are also available in con-struction technology and construction man-agement. They usually include some businessand managerial training along with design andengineering training. Graduates from theseprograms may conduct various aspects of con-struction such as equipment testing, weldingquality control, or work time studies, or maybe involved in creating and tracking construc-tion budgets, sched-ules, material pro-curement, or person-nel management.

You might seeindustrial, mechani-cal, civil, electrical,construction, environ-mental, fire protec-tion, petrochemical,energy or nuclearengineers on a con-struction job site.Often, the engineersthat work most with

plumbing and HVAC are mechanical and civilengineers. Construction engineering pro-grams that incorporate many disciplines arealso increasingly available, and unlike a moregeneral mechanical engineering program, arespecifically tailored to train engineers for afuture in construction. Architects may alsoprepare civil, electrical, or piping drawings aswell as structural drawings and building lay-outs. Engineers and architects need to obtaina bachelor’s degree in their discipline, andsome engineers and architects are required tobe licensed by their state, depending on theirjob functions.

Design or consulting engineers will deter-mine layouts for the new installations or mod-ifications, will select and evaluate equipmentand materials, and perform calculations todetermine equipment or system sizes, capaci-ties, design loads and service connections.They often work with building codes or engi-neering standards and specifications to makesure that their designs are compliant. Theywill review drawings from multiple disciplinesto ensure that all equipment and systems areproperly laid out for installation, and thatproper support, electrical connections, pipingconnections, and other services are allaccounted for. They will also make sure thatthere are no interferences or misconnectionswith the installation, and may even provideinstructions for temporary modifications ofexisting systems or structure in order to bringin (route) the new equipment. They workwith designer drafters, planners and estima-tors, foremen and supervisors, as well as other

What about design and engineering?

20 LARGEST CONSTRUCTION UNIVERSITY PROGRAMSSource: McGraw-Hill Engineering News Record

Colorado State University Kansas State University

Texas A & M University Arizona State University

Purdue University Indiana U/Purdue U. of Indianapolis

Auburn University University of Wisconsin - Stout

Brigham Young University University of Florida

Louisiana State University University of Nebraska - Lincoln

East Carolina University Montana State University

University of Cincinnati California SPU - San Luis Obispo

California State U - Chico Florida International University

Iowa State University Georgia Southern University


engineers and the owner, to ensure that every-thing is accounted for and to incorporate anychanges in design that may be necessary.They also visit the job site to ensure thatinstallation goes smoothly according to sched-ule and design, and help resolve problems asthey occur.

Project engineers oversee entire projectsfrom initial design to final turnover, and planconstruction and material budgets, work

schedules, and major milestones. Site engi-neers oversee the construction site daily andensure that the necessary services are provid-ed in order to complete the work. Either ofthese could also be the project managers orconstruction managers.

What do I need to learn?As an apprentice, your classes will include

the physics and mathematics applicable topiping or HVAC design and installation. Youwill learn about pressure, flow, heat transfer,heating and cooling/refrigeration cycles, stat-ics and dynamics, hydraulics, fluid mechanicsand dynamics, thermodynamics, and mechan-ics of materials. You will learn about sanita-tion, water quality, bacteriology, and climatecontrol. You will learn basic theory and instal-lation techniques in electrical, plumbing,HVAC, structural, welding, and sheetmetalwork. You will learn mechanical drawing andhow to read drawings and material lists.Everything you learn in the classroom will bereinforced by practice and experience in thelab, shop or field.

To prepare for these fields, you will wantto take certain subjects in high school. Youshould take math courses in algebra, planegeometry and trigonometry. Exposure tosome statistics, business math, and engineer-ing economics is also desirable. Studentsinterested in pursuing engineering careers willalso need to take more advanced courses.

You should take general high school sci-ence courses in physics and chemistry, and ithelps also to take biology. To be an effectivecommunicator, you should take four years ofcourses in reading comprehension, writingand composition, grammar skills, research,and technical or business writing. Youshould learn computer keyboarding as well assome basic word processing, spreadsheet andInternet research skills.

You want to look for technical schools andapprenticeship programs that will teach youthe basic concepts and theory, vocabulary, and

typical problems and industry trends. If yourhigh school offers an introductory course inconstruction and design, as well as introducto-ry or advanced courses in drafting and CAD, carpentry, electricity, plumbing, HVAC, refrigeration, masonry/bricklaying,hydraulics/pneumatics, welding and metal-work, take as many as you can. Some schoolsoffer these courses as career or curriculumclusters, specially selected to help you learnhow to work in a specific field.

Whether you learn in high school orthrough an apprentice program, you shoulddevelop the ability to read and understanddesign specifications and drawings or blue-prints, materials lists, installation instructions,methods and standards, and testing proce-dures. Learn about work packaging and pre-fabrication as well as assembly, installation,

Using drafting and CAD design, piping assemblies are efficiently prefabricated before they are installed at their final location.

continued next page


For some disciplines, you will. Nationaltests or examinations for some trades areavailable from the National Center forConstruction Education and Research. Manycommunities and trade associations or organ-izations have their own requirements.Associations and state agencies have estab-

lished accreditation and licensing criteria.Some engineers, architects, and surveyors arerequired to be licensed by their state; nationalexams are held periodically. Ask local con-tractors, your school, or your state licensingboard about what might be required in yourcommunity or state.

Do I have to take tests or get licensed?

What other skills should I have?The ability to work with others and work

as part of a team is essential. Averagestrength and coordination is fine, but it pays tobe in general good health. You should be ableto think on your feet to solve problems that

result from unforeseen circumstances. Youshould be willing to work hard, be punctual,and be determined to get ahead. Know yourtrade, and learn about changes as they occur.You should be creative, use good judgment,and be organized. Mechanical aptitude is aplus, but neatness and methodical work aregood as well. Continue to advance and broad-en your education and training to learn newdisciplines, new techniques or about newequipment.

What do I need to learn?...continued

and modification. Work with hands-on toolsand equipment including pipe cutters, weldingand brazing equipment, voltmeters, gaugesand sensors. Learn how to test equipmentand systems, troubleshoot problems, and veri-fy system or component performance.

You may be able to take project coursesduring your senior year to gain design andhands on experience. They will help you learnproblem-solving skills for real work scenariosand often involve working at actual shops andconstruction sites. Look for summer intern-

ship possibilities with local contractors.Remember that a high school diploma isessential, and post secondary education canbe acquired from a variety of sources. Youdon’t have to get a four-year degree right offthe top. Aim for a combination of work andstudy. Remember, also, that a good record ofschool attendance shows dependability, andinvolvement in extracurricular or communityactivities shows that you are well rounded.Both of these will help you get a job!

Caption


Where might I get work?You could work for a small business con-

tractor who typically employs a few or a dozenpeople and serves a small geographical area.Small contractors usually order and sell equip-ment directly, and design, fabricate, andinstall equipment and systems, as well asmaintain and service them after the fact.

Larger companies employ up to severalhundred people, and may encompass part orall of a job site (with a central design or corpo-rate office located on or offsite). They maywork on multiple job sites throughout a large

metropolitan area. Or you could work for alocal, state, or federal government agency,which typically performs its own design workand, depending on the agency, may performfabrication, installation and modificationwork as well. Large companies may subcon-tract work to small or specialized contractors.

Consulting firms perform design work andcost estimates, and may oversee installation.They employ design engineers, architects andproject managers who work with constructioncontractors to get the work completed.

Where else could I go with my career?Having a good technical background in

your field, and at least a few years of hands-onexperience, gives you various possibilitiesshould you ever want to switch career paths.The more experience and diverse knowledgeyou gain, the better for you. As you gain moreexperience and a broader client base, you mayeven decide to own your own contracting busi-ness. You may provide related or specialtyservices within your current company, such asaccounting, marketing or sales. Considerthese options.

Specialty contractors provide constructionservices such as earthmoving or scaffolding,rigging, and crane service for large construc-tion projects. Specialty companies providedesign, prefabrication and installation of spe-cial systems such as large-scale air condition-ing or refrigeration plants, industrial ventila-tion, water reclamation and treatment, com-puter and automatic controls, and fire sup-pression. Contractors could specialize chieflyin maintenance and service work, or offerrestoration service for historical preservation.Manufacturing companies make specificequipment, materials and components thatdesigners and installers will use in the field.Merchandising supply and sales vendors sellproducts and materials, stock inventory, andwork with contractors to supply them with thematerials and equipment they need at thetime they need it.

Government agencies and inspectorsdevelop and enforce design and buildingcodes, develop procedural methods and stan-

dards, inspect job sites for safety and for prop-er installation and construction, test equip-ment or systems, approve building permitsand final construction. Utility companies pro-vide temporary or permanent power, sanita-tion, water, fuel and natural gas, compressedair, and other services.

Facility engineers operate, maintain, andmodernize equipment and systems once theyare complete and will develop and utilizemaintenance standards to keep things operat-ing smoothly. Applications engineers selectspecific equipment necessary to meet designgoals, and will often develop and work fromdesign and engineering specifications andindustry standards. Research and develop-ment engineers engage in new product design,development, manufacturing and testing.

Ferguson Enterprises is verifying a job order before delivery.


You will have a lot of choices ahead of youin the next few years, and trying to decideupon a career path can be overwhelming. Talkto your teachers, guidance counselors, familyfriends and local contractors to try to deter-mine what your best course of action might be.We hope you consider construction work,especially plumbing and HVAC. You will findthe work exciting and fulfilling, and financial-ly rewarding as well! You will find that yourskills are in demand, and that as the industrygrows and changes, you can adapt your skillsto meet the new technologies and new con-cerns. Opportunities exist to branch off intonew areas, too, and gain further education.You have a unique opportunity to provide

vital services that ensure comfort, health andwell-being. Only a few careers can make thatclaim!

What might I do during a typical workday?First thing in the morning, you might

review design drawings or plans for whateverinstallations that you would be expected tobegin or to complete that day. You would takenote of whether any changes had been madein the design because of unforeseen problems.Maybe there are problems because someother equipment or structure is located “in theway” or because you may have to make substi-tutions for materials that haven’t arrived atthe job site yet. You would select the equip-ment and materials necessary to completeyour installation work, and check out theappropriate tools from your tool crib or sup-ply locker. You would then take everything tothe job site. Once there, you’ll check with theforeman or supervisor to catch up with what’s

going on and to ensure that the services youneed, such as power or rigging, are provided.You would verify the path in which your pip-ing or ductwork is supposed to be installed,double check dimensions and measurements,and look for interferences. After lunch youmay be ready to begin your installation work.You may have to discuss matters with othertrade workers like electricians in order to getyour equipment’s electrical connectionshooked up. Once the installation work forthat day is complete, you would clean up yourtools and debris, plan the next day’s work andservices, perform any cleaning, flow, or hydro-static testing required, then spend some timetalking with your foreman or supervisor aboutthe jobs that would be performed the nextweek.

One day you may install new equipment,such as an air conditioning unit and its accom-panying systems and components. The nextday you may perform a maintenance check ona unit that is already installed on a previousjob site, or repair it if the inspection warrantsit. The day after that, you may meet with acustomer who wants to install a unit. You willplan how and where it will be installed, alongwith the additional services and equipmentnecessary for it to operate. No two jobs areever quite the same, and the experience yougain can be used on future job sites.

Conclusion

A journeymanprepares tosolder fittingsin a pipingassembly.

Bienvenu Brothers Enterprises of Louisiana wasfounded in 1930. It is now in its third generation

and has employed fourteen family members.


Sources include the following documents:

“Can I Turn HVACR and Plumbing Into a Career?” Brochure. Association for Career andTechnical Education, Alexandria, VA.

“Job Descriptions for the Construction Industry.” Report. Oregon Building Congress.

“Your Future in Plumbing, Heating and Cooling: Answering 14 questions about opportunity,money, security, employment, nature of work, etc.” Report. Shapiro & Duncan, Inc.,Mechanical Contractor, 14620 Rothgeb Drive, Rockville, MD 20850. (301) 315-6260.

“Take Your Career…to the Max! Management and Engineering Careers in MechanicalContracting” Brochure, 1995. “Your Future in the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Industry.”Brochure No. 00-0388A. “Your PIPELINE to Hot Careers and Cold Cash: Careers in thePlumbing and HVAC Industry.” Video and brochure, 1994. Mechanical ContractorsFoundation, Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA), 1385 PiccardDrive, Rockville, MD 20850. (800) 556-3653 and NAPHCC Education Foundation,National Association of Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors, 180 S. Washington Street,Falls Church, VA 22046. (800) 533-7694.

“Target a Successful Career in Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, Refrigeration and Plumbing:Can I turn HVACR and plumbing into a career?” Brochure. Refrigeration, Plumbing,HVAC Career Education Coalition, PO Box 4361, Washington, DC 20044.

“The Nation’s C-Schools: Undergraduate construction programs raise skills and expectations, but face own challenges.” Magazine and online article. 29 October 2001. McGraw-HillConstruction Engineering News - Record. McGraw-Hill. Online at http://enr.construction.com/features/education/archives/011029a.asp.

WebsitesCareer ideas and teacher resourceswww.futureforcenow.com Coalition of Industry Associateswww.coolcareers.org Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, Refrigeration and

Plumbing Career Education Coalitionwww.abc.org Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc.www.acteonline.org/career/skills/index.cfm Association for Career and Technical Education

Education, certification, and apprenticeship programswww.nccer.org National Center for Construction Education and Researchwww.acce-hq.org American Council for Construction Educationwww.abet.org Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technologywww.nait.org National Association for Industrial Technologywww.mcaa.org Mechanical Contractors Association of Americawww.obcweb.org Oregon Building Congresswww.ari.org/edu/schools.html Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Institutewww.natex.org The North American Technician Excellence Programwww.pahra.hvacr.org The Partnership of Air Conditioning, Heating and

Refrigeration Accreditation Programwww.rses.org Refrigeration Service Engineers Societywww.acca.org The Air Conditioning Contractors of Americawww.theplumber.com Hill Daughtrywww.skillsusa.com SkillsUSA

Technical societies and trade associationswww.smacna.org Sheetmetal and Air Conditioning Contractors’

National Associationwww.hardinet.org Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Distributors

Internationalwww.ashrae.org American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and

Air Conditioning Engineers, Inc.www.icarma.org International Council of Air Conditioning and Refrigeration

Manufacturers’ Associationwww.agc.org Associated General Contractorswww.phccweb.org Plumbing, Heating, Cooling Contractors-National

Association (PHCC-NA)www.phccweb.org/auxiliary Plumbing, Heating, Cooling Contractors-National Auxiliary

Services, products, online magazines and informationwww.AHAM.org Association of Home Appliance Manufacturerswww.gamanet.org Gas Appliance Manufacturers Associationwww.heatinghelp.com Don Holohan Associates, Inc.www.plumbinghvac.com The Building and Home Improvement Networkwww.enr.com McGraw-Hill Construction Engineering News-Recordwww.contractormag.com Penton Media, Inc.

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