MEET THE PRO: Landon Burkhart, HVACR Technician

Jacob Slaton

Hometown: Fayetteville
Age: 31

Where I trained: NorthWest Arkansas Community College, Ultimate Technical Academy and on-the-job training

Where I earned: Certificates in Trane Variable Speed, Trane Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF), EPA Type 1, EPA Type 2, HVAC and Advanced Service Diagnostics; Oklahoma Journeyman Card (for heating and air); and 10 years of work experience

Job title: HVAC install field supervisor
Employer: Paschal Heat & Air

Landon Burkhart always enjoyed working with his hands and had a natural ability to tinker with mechanics. Landon attended NorthWest Arkansas Community College then began on-the-job training at Paschal Heat & Air. After 10 years, Landon moved up within the company as a HVAC field supervisor.

Every day he guides installations, answers questions and ensures the quality of the work. Landon enjoys being able to instruct his installers throughout the process and teaching them tricks that can make the job easier. “I have learned a skill that I can take anywhere in the world and apply it and find a job,” he says. “There is also a lot of self-gratification with being able to fix or replace someone's HVAC unit and get them taken care of and comfortable.”

"I have been able to purchase a house sooner than my peers just because they went to college and acquired tons of student debt. I have been able to move forward with my career and get into the position that I am in faster than most." – Landon

WHAT DOES A HVACR TECHNICIAN DO?

Install, repair and maintain air quality and temperature systems in buildings and home—heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and refrigeration.

Responsibilities

Install or replace air quality/temperature systems
Repair systems, replace parts when they break within systems
Bring systems up to safety standards and environmental regulations
Monitor and record installation activities and repairs
Safely dispose of hazardous materials

Education needed: Certificate or associate degree from technical and trade schools or community colleges. Programs generally last six months to two years. Some receive training through an apprenticeship (three to five years).

Jacob Slaton

Job Outlook

► +16% growth in Arkansas by 2028

► 370 jobs in Arkansas by 2028

► 3,560 average annual job openings in Arkansas by 2028

This option is for you if

You’re inquisitive and curious
You enjoy working outdoors and with your hands
You’re good with people
You are mechanically inclined
You like troubleshooting problems

High-end earners (top 10%) make
$58,960

Median wages in Arkansas
$41,120 Annual
$19.77 Hourly

START YOUR TRAINING
• Arkansas Construction Education Foundation
• Arkansas Northeastern College
• Arkansas State University–Beebe
• Arkansas State University–Newport
• Arkansas Tech University–Ozark
• East Arkansas Community College
• Lexicon Inc.
• National Park College
• North Arkansas College
• Paschal Heat & Air
• Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas
• Simmons Foods
• Southern Arkansas University Tech
• Tyson Foods Inc.
• UAM College of Technology–Crossett
• University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville
• University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton
• University of Arkansas Hope–Texarkana
• University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College