Meet The Pro: Andrew Bria, Service Electrician/HVAC Technician
By Arkansas Next on Monday, October 21, 2024
Hometown: Conway
Age: 26
Where I Trained: Electrical Journeyman and Apprenticeship, and HVAC Certificate through Arkansas Construction Education Foundation
Job Title: Service Electrician/HVAC Technician
Employer: Nabco Mechanical & Electrical Inc.
Andrew Bria was first introduced to the world of trade skills at a young age by his family and his father’s close friends. While attendng Conway High School, Andrew took drafting classes, which introduced him to professionals in the industry. This class and working on cars showed him that he loved working with his hands, and he wanted to find a way to do this for a living.
"I enjoy understanding how and why things are done the way they are," he said.
After high school graduation, Andrew knew he wanted to pursue a career in the trades to avoid any student loan debt. The Arkansas Construction Education Foundation gave him the perfect opportunity to do this.
“I preferred the trades to college, because I wasn’t interested in the debt associated with it,” Andrew said. “My training was great, I learned from some very gifted people in this industry.
He said the thing he enjoyed most during his training with ACEF was solving problems.
"I enjoy solving a puzzle and figuring out how things go together," Andrew said. "The thing that stuck with me most is that you should always take pride in your work and do it in a neat and workman-like manner.”
Being trained and certified in heating, ventilation and air condition and as an electrician means Andrew can travel all over the state working.
The most difficult parts of his job include dealing with the weather and physically demanding tasks.
“...Sometimes it’s 120 degrees in an attic, or you could be outside when it’s 32 degrees,” Andrew said. “But it’s rewarding when you have found and fixed an issue, and completed a job that you’re proud of and know [your work will stay] in service for many years.”
MORE ABOUT THE JOB
Education Needed:
Postsecondary Certificate
You'll Be Great At This Job Too If...
- You love tinkering
- You like saving the day for people
- You want a job that's always in demand
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Job Demand
► Employment is projected to increase 6% by 2030, with 350 jobs available annually.
► 3,620 HVAC Technicians are expected to be employed in Arkansas by 2030.
High-end earners (top 10%) make
$66,000 Annual
Median wages in Arkansas (top 50%)
$47,620 Annual
WHERE TO LEARN
- The Academy at Goodwill Industries of Arkansas
- Arkansas National Guard
- Arkansas Northeastern College
- Arkansas State University Three Rivers
- Arkansas State University-Beebe
- Arkansas State University-Newport
- Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus
- Business and Industry Training
- East Arkansas Community College
- Lexicon Inc.
- Northwest Technical Institute
- Peak Innovation Center (Fort Smith Public Schools)
- Thompson Electric
- University of Arkansas - Pulaski Technical College
- University of Arkansas at Monticello College of Technology-Crossett
- University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville
- University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton
WHERE TO WORK
- Arkansas National Guard
- Central Moloney Inc.
- Lexicon Inc.
- Thompson Electric
Sources: careeronestop.org
