Education Options in Pennsylvania Area

helpfulheater

Hi all,

I'm researching career training schools in Pennsylvania and have Berks Technical Institute on my list. I'm hoping to get some honest feedback from anyone who may have attended or knows someone who has.

Specifically, I'm looking at their HVAC and basic refrigeration program. Can anyone speak to the quality of the instructors and the value of the diploma/degree in the local job market?

Beyond BTI, what are some other highly-regarded schools in PA for hands-on, career-focused training? I'm looking for alternatives that might be similar to BTI, or even strong community college programs that have a good reputation for job placement.

For context, my primary goal is getting in, learning a skill, and getting out into the workforce efficiently.

Appreciate any insights you can share!

Robert O'Brien

HVAC & Energy Career Training I PPATEC

pecmsg

https://ua.org/education-and-training/become-an-apprentice/

EBEBRATT-Ed

I am union but do what is best for you.

I think it is worth checking the union out at your Local. The pay and benefits and insurance are tops and if your good you will work all the time. Unions are primarily commercial and industrial (although in some areas they are gaining in the residential market).

Training varies across the country so I would check out the strength of their hvac training. If you have 0 experience the apprenticeship is usually 5 years, but they will give you credit if you have some training usually.

If you get in you get apprentice pay that increases as you move along.

The union sometimes looks to schools like BTI for recruits, depends on their workload

But maybe you don't want to wait 5 year s.You can work nonunion as well and learn on the job but the pay scale is usually less and less bennys

You might PM @RayWohlfarth he is in PA and @Harvey Ramer (not sure I think is in PA)

looks like you have a lot of good options in PA. Good Luck!!!!

HydronicMike

https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1864000#Comment_1864000

This is one of the best and the one I’d recommend most.
Another option…

https://www.stevenscollege.edu

And if you’re in SE PA, check out the unions and apprenticeships.