COMMON MYTHS

Some of the more common myths and misconceptions about working in this industry are outlined here.  As a member of this industry you may have come across additional myths that you feel should be included. Help us to address industry myths and improve Myth Busters by contacting hvacrcareers@hrai.ca and sharing your experiences.

Myth #1: "A career in the HVACR Industry means just slinging tools."

Reality: The HVACR industry needs intelligent, innovated, and self-motivated individuals who can create, plan, and communicate with both internal and external clients; individuals who embrace the use of technology that is always changing.  HVACR is an industry that is always in need of strong leaders and ambitious workers.  You can work at a desk, on a rooftop, in a lab, in homes and large commercial buildings, or a combination of all of these.

Opportunity and diversity are keys to this industry. Opportunities can be found in the skilled trades’ careers or in designing concepts and blueprints, planning and project management, administrative functions, working for a wholesaler, sales, marketing and more.

Myth #2: "You need a university degree to get a good job." Smart kids go to university.

Reality:  Career opportunities in HVACR are vast – some require a university degree, but many do not.  While it is true that you need more than high school for most jobs, you don't have to go to university. According to “a study by the Construction Sector Council”, only about one job out of ten requires a university degree. Many opportunities are open to people with trade certification or diplomas from colleges or vocational and technical schools. In fact, increased enrollment )at colleges is a direct result of many individuals with university degrees going back to school to gain on-the-job training because while they may not have the skills that employers are looking for.

Myth #3: "People end up in the HVACR industry:  they have no other career choices."

Reality: Many people choose this industry because they like the work, enjoy the challenge and personal satisfaction of being able to see the results of their work. HVACR is an industry that focuses on where people work, play and live. To work in HVACR, you need specialized skills and you need to embrace life-long learning! In some jobs you get to work with your hands as well as your head!  This industry offers diversity and limitless opportunities for advancement.

Myth #4 – “Jobs in the HVACR Industry do not pay well.”

Reality: This industry offers competitive salaries. The salaries vary with the career paths but the industry provides well-paid, positions for those willing to work hard.

If you choose to enter the trades, the lower birth rates and an aging workforce have created an increased demand. Skilled trades' careers provide income levels which are above the national average for employed Canadians. In fact, according to the 2001 Statistics Canada Census, trades people generally earn a salary approximately 3.1% above the national average of all Canadian careers combined.

Myth #5:  “The HVACR Industry is one that is physically demanding and requires brute strength if you plan to work on the tools.”

Reality: There is a certain physical aspect in many areas of the trades that require physical hands on work.  For many people it is the hands on aspect that is the attraction. However, today’s HVACR skilled workers use equipment and tools that require more brains than brawn. Robotics, three-dimensional computer programs (CAD –computer animated design), sensitive testing equipment and remotely activated tools are used by skilled trade’s people in many capacities. As with any career a healthy active lifestyle is required.

Myth #6: “The HVACR Industry is only concerned with selling and servicing equipment.”

Reality: This industry is about innovation! Striving to develop and maintain more energy efficient equipment with improved cost and energy savings. People are concerned about the environment and HVACR continues to develop solutions to environmental concerns like energy management and protecting the ozone layer.

The HVACR Industry is concerned with maintaining safe environmental practices. One major example of this is environmental sustainability through the capture of refrigerant in alignment with the Kyoto accord with regard to refrigerant reduction. To learn more about how the industry goes beyond regulatory compliance focusing on environment performance through research, development and education see Refrigerant Management Canada (RMC) website.