MEET THE PRO: Wyatt Davis, HVACR Technician
By Arkansas Next on Thursday, September 15, 2022
Hometown: Greenbrier
Age: 22
Where I Trained: Arkansas Construction Education Foundation
What I Earned: Apprenticeship, EPA license
Job Title: HVACR Technician
Employer: Field's Heating & Air
Growing up Wyatt has always been a hands-on learner and never really enjoyed school. “I’ve never been one to sit in class and read a book and get it. If I can see it once or twice, I can do it,” he said.
After the COVID-19 outbreak, Wyatt decided to set aside the idea of a four-year degree and pursue a career in HVACR — heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration — by completing one year of basic courses at UACCM and earning his EPA license. He’s currently doing an apprenticeship to earn his contractor's license. Most technicians receive their high school diploma or equivalent and then begin training while others earn an associate degree and various licenses.
Wyatt's daily responsibilities vary. “I do a little bit of everything,” he said. “I’ve been a head installer. We do a lot of residential work. I’m getting my foot in the door with service and maintenance work.”
Wyatt was able to get experience in the workforce sooner than his peers who pursued a college degree first. He encourages those looking to get into HVACR to find a trusted mentor to learn from. An HVAC job is all about learning and serving others, and Wyatt enjoys the fact that he gets to positively impact other’s lives.
WHAT DOES A HVACR TECHNICIAN DO?
Install, maintain and repair the heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and refrigeration systems in buildings.
Education needed:
Employers typically prefer technicians with postsecondary education or those who have completed an apprenticeship. Some states require a license.
Job Outlook
► 16% projected job growth in Arkansas by 2028
► 370 annual projected job openings in Arkansas
This option is for you if
- You don't want to be glued to a desk all day
- You love tinkering and fixing things at home
- You are a people-person
- Helping people makes you feel good
High-end earners in Arkansas (top 10%) make
$59,380
Median wages in Arkansas
$38,440 Annual
$18.48 Hourly
START YOUR TRAINING
- Arkansas Construction Education Foundation
- Arkansas Northeastern College
- Arkansas State University Three Rivers
- Arkansas State University-Beebe
- Arkansas State University-Newport
- Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus
- East Arkansas Community College
- National Park College
- NorthWest Arkansas Community College
- Northwest Technical Institute
- Paschal Heat & Air
- Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas
- Simmons Foods
- Southern Arkansas University Tech
- Tyson Foods Inc.
- University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville
- University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton
- University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana
- University of Arkansas Monticello College of Technology–Crossett
- University of Arkansas - Pulaski Technical College
READY TO HIRE YOU
- Lexicon Inc.
- McKee Foods Corporation
- Paschal Heat & Air
- Simmons Foods
- Tyson Foods Inc.
Source: bls.gov
