MEET THE PRO: Aaron Standridge, HVACR Technician

By Arkansas NEXT on Friday, September 25, 2020

Aaron Standridge

Hometown: Perryville
Age: 21
Where I trained: Arkansas Construction Education Foundation
What I earned: Apprenticeship
Job title: HVACR Technician/Start-up Technician
Employer: Powers in North Little Rock

Aaron Standridge applied for a job at Powers at the end of his senior year in high school and was offered a job the week after he received his diploma. A high school diploma was all he needed to start his job at Powers, but the company encourages its staff to further their education through licenses and on-the-job training education.

Aaron says that every day looks different in his job, and there are different challenges that keep the job exciting. “One day, I could be on one or two different job sites, the next day it could be four or five. Sometimes it’s a service call for troubleshooting a possible bad motor or board, and other times, it’s a normal start-up that doesn’t have any issues,” he says. “My main goal every day is to be sure that by the time I leave, the customer is happy with the work that I’ve done.”


What does an HVACR technician do?

HVACR technicians install, maintain and repair the heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and refrigeration systems in buildings. These machines control the temperature and air quality in homes and businesses.


Responsibilities

Install heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and refrigeration systems for customers.

Replace outdated systems with energy-efficient technology.

Repair systems and replace parts when problems arise.

Ensure the systems meet safety regulations to keep the environment safe.

Record activities, installations and repairs over time.

Dispose of hazardous parts and chemicals in an ethical and safe manner.


Education Needed

Technical certificate and/or on-the-job training.


Related Occupations

Refrigeration mechanic and installer, electrician, elevator installer and repairer, control and valve installer and repairer


Job Outlook

+18%
expected growth from 2016 to 2026 in Arkansas.

380
average annual job openings in Arkansas.

3,710
jobs in Arkansas by 2026.

 High-end earners in Arkansas (top 10%) make
$58,360 Annually
 Median wages in Arkansas
$39,280 Annually
$18.88 Hourly


This option is for you if:

You think on your feet.
You love solving problems.
You prefer to work with your hands.
You're not the desk-job type.
You work well with others.
You’re detail-oriented.


START YOUR TRAINING

Arkansas Construction Education Foundation
Arkansas Northeastern College
Arkansas State University - Beebe
Arkansas State University - Newport
Arkansas State University - Mountain Home
Arkansas Tech University - Ozark Campus
East Arkansas Community College
Ed's Supply Company
National Park College
North Arkansas College
Phillips Community College
Southern Arkansas University Tech
University of Arkansas at Monticello College of Technology - Crossett
University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville
University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton

READY TO HIRE YOU

Cargill
CenterPoint Energy
McKee Foods Corporation
Simmons Foods Inc. & Affiliates
Tyson Foods

"The best part of my job is figuring out how all of the equipment works together to get you to the end result, and being able to drive by a building and say that I played a part in where it is today." –Aaron


Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, TheBalanceCareer.com and CareerOneStop.org

See more of your options in CONSTRUCTION.