Trades

HVAC-R Program Alumni Spotlight: Rafael Cardenas Jr.

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HVAC-R Program

HVAC-R graduate Rafael Cardenas Jr. speaks on his experience at Coyne College and provides advice to prospective students. If you like working with your hands, have a mechanical aptitude and are looking for a career with a tremendous future, becoming a heating, air conditioning and refrigeration technician could be a perfect fit. As the world shifts to an increasingly energy-efficient, technology-based HVAC-R systems, and a construction industry driving new commercial and residential construction, will fuel the need for qualified technicians, installers and mechanics.

Hear more from Rafael and for more information on our HVAC and Refrigeration program visit us at https://www.coynecollege.edu/ or give us a call at 800.720.3990.

Raphael: My name is Raphael Cardenas Jr. I went to Coyne for the HVAC program. I’m a pretty good worker with my hands I would say. I just picked a different career to follow that had something do with my hands still. It was HVAC that I chose. I looked up different places and a lot of good reviews from Coyne. My brother-in-law actually attended Coyne and my cousin attended Coyne. Both of them are doing pretty good, so I figured if they could do it, I can do it.

Typical day, those night classes start at six. There was some classroom work, maybe getting over what the plan for the day was going to be. Then a lot in the labs, actually working on hands on with all the materials, all the stuff you’re going to learn. Most challenging part of classes is probably getting to class. That was really the most challenging part. Making it every day, trying to be every day. Especially working full time, trying to make it to class every day was the challenging part.

As far as class, I wouldn’t say it was challenging. Unless you push yourself to do it, or you’ll want to do it. You don’t pay attention, you’re really wasting time, but pay attention to the labs. Hands on stuff because that’s really going to help when you really out there in the field. You’re going to remember back to what you did back in class and it will really help you out.

The Future of Skilled Trades Programs

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Future of Skilled Trades

In the coming years, the United States is expected to experience a shortage of skilled workers. Many of the current workers in fields such as electrical work, plumbing and heavy equipment operation are baby boomers who are approaching retirement age. What’s left in their wake will likely be a skill gap. This presents an excellent opportunity for students who want to make a living in these fields as opposed to an occupation that requires a four-year degree. Let’s take a quick look at the outlook for two such professions.

 

HVAC Technicians

HVAC technicians spend their days installing, repairing and maintaining HVAC systems. Currently, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) anticipates a 15 percent increase in the employment of heating, air conditioning and refrigeration mechanics and installers through 2026. The BLS attributes this rise in part to the push for more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly heating and cooling systems. HVAC technicians will play a significant role in creating a more sustainable tomorrow.

People rely heavily on HVAC systems to maintain comfortable temperatures in their homes, especially in warmer climates where the air conditioner is likely to be running most of the year. It’s important to have a well-trained workforce of HVAC technicians available for when heating and cooling problems arise.

HVAC Trade Programs Chicago

Electricians

Electricians keep the lights (and everything else that uses electricity) on. They install, maintain and repair electrical wiring and components in buildings. Like HVAC technicians, employment of electricians is projected to increase in the coming years. According to the BLS, there’s expected to be a 9 percent spike in electrician jobs through 2026 relative to 2016.

Also like HVAC technicians, electricians are and will continue to be part of the implementation of greener technology. Solar panels are becoming more common in residential settings. Wind and other forms of renewable energy also require the know-how that electricians bring to the table in order to be harnessed effectively.

The BLS suggests that electricians who can do many things well will have more success in the workforce. Seeing how much we rely on electricity for so many things we do in our personal and professional lives, we will need more electricians to keep things working.

We’ve established that there’s a demand for skilled trades workers. So how can you capitalize on the current demand for skilled trades workers? That’s easy. All you need to do is enroll in a program that teaches the trade you’re interested in.

Electrician Trade Programs

Start your Future at Coyne College

Skilled trades training programs are commonly offered at trade schools and community colleges. Let’s take, for instance, Coyne College in Chicago. Coyne College offers training programs in both HVAC refrigeration and electrical work (two, actually: Electrical Construction and Planning and Electrical Construction and Maintenance). In each of the programs, students gain a fundamental understanding of the trade and get immersive hands-on learning that will help prepare them for entering their field. Programs are taught by professionals who have years of experience under their respective belts. They can pass tips on to you that can only be learned from working in the field.

What’s more is that the programs at Coyne College Chicago are shorter than those at traditional colleges and universities. For example, Coyne’s HVAC Refrigeration program can be completed in a little as 42 weeks. This can allow you to take advantage of the growing demand and excellent earning potential that skilled trades work presents. Additionally, Coyne College offers both day and night options so you can fit a skilled trades program into your schedule.

In short, the future of skilled trades (and the programs that teach them) is bright. Find out for yourself all that Coyne’s programs have to offer by calling 800-720-3990 or visiting our homepage at https://www.coynecollege.edu/.

Skilled Trades Careers Can Ease Transition to Civilian Life

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Skilled Trade Career - Coyne College

In honor of this past Memorial Day, we’d like to take a moment to share with you our commitment to men and women in uniform. At Coyne College, we know the transition to civilian life after years of military service can be a challenging one. Fortunately, a career in skilled trades can help smooth it out. We’re dedicated to providing top-tier training programs that can help veterans establish meaningful, in-demand careers.

In many ways, the skilled trade professions embody similar traits to being in the military. For example, in electrical construction, you have the opportunity to work with other electricians to supply the wiring and conduit needed to power a building. Skilled trades work also requires using highly specialized skills to get the job done. While it may take time to foster a strong bond with your fellow trades workers and the task may not be as high-stakes as it is fighting to preserve our freedom, these aspects of skilled trades jobs can help you get acclimated to civilian life once more.

Coyne College offers six different skilled trade programs that provide training in electrical work, HVAC and refrigeration, as well as select allied health professions. Our programs include:

  • HVAC Refrigeration
  • Electrical Construction & Planning
  • Electrical Construction & Maintenance
  • Medical Assistant
  • Medical Billing & Coding Specialist
  • Pharmacy Technician

 

Many of these fields are expected to experience continued growth in employment in the coming years, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projections. At Coyne, you’ll receive stellar instruction from professionals with valuable real-world experience.

Skilled Trade Careers in Chicago

You’re also not alone once you’re in classes at Coyne College. We offer academic assistance to help you stay on pace to graduate, should you need it. Additionally, our Career Services team can help you navigate the job search process with resources such as resume help, mock interviews and more. Be sure to check out our Resource Center page to learn more.

Some of Coyne’s programs can be completed in as little as 42 weeks from your start day. This means you’ll be able to get to work and apply your skills sooner than you would by enrolling at a traditional four-year college or university. With day and night class options available, you can fit a skilled trade’s education into your schedule.

Skilled Trade Profession in Demand

Paying for training to improve your return to civilian life shouldn’t cost a fortune for those who have already made the greatest sacrifice. A variety of scholarships are available to veterans, including the Military Award Program (MAP) provided by the Imagine America Foundation – Adult Program. You can also apply for federal aid using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

For more information or to speak with one of our helpful admissions representatives, call us today at 800-720-3990.

15 Terms to Know Before Enrolling in an Electrician Program

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Electrical Terms to Know - Coyne College

Becoming an electrician is an excellent career choice. There is a demand for skilled professionals in the trade, and you can earn good wages doing electrical work. Before you enroll in an electrical training program that teaches you what you need to know to be successful in the industry, it would certainly help to have some knowledge of key terms under your belt. Many of the following terms are ones you may have learned in your high school physics class. If that’s the case, this list will serve as a refresher. If you’re learning this electrical vocabulary for the first time, it will be just as helpful. Let’s dive in.

Circuits

AC – Alternating currents, commonly referred to as AC, are currents that are always changing direction. Most circuits used by electricians today are alternating currents, as they are most common in residential and commercial buildings.

Direct currents, or DC, are currents that only flow in one direction, unlike alternating currents. These are not as common in the daily workings of electricians.

Parallel circuit – Parallel circuits feature multiple paths for currents to flow. Each path is parallel to the others and the voltage is the same for each path. A current’s strength differs depending on the resistance of each path.

Series circuit  – While a parallel circuit has multiple parallel paths, a series circuit has only one path. The current is the same for all resistors within the circuit, while the voltage is dependent on the resistance.

Short circuit – Short circuits occur when the electric current cannot run the full length of the circuit. The current does not go where it is supposed to go and, as a result, excessive heat is created. The extra heat can damage the circuit’s components.

Tools and Substances

Electrical Equipment - Coyne College Chicago

Digital multimeter – Digital multimeters take a variety of measurements, from current, voltage, resistance frequency and others related to electricity. They are essential tools to have because they eliminate the need for separate devices to take different measurements.

Ammeter – Whereas a digital multimeter can take multiple measurements, an ammeter solely measures the amperage of a circuit’s current. The measurement is taken by placing a clamp on the circuit. Multimeters are more commonly used by electricians because they can do the job of an ammeter, making a separate ammeter redundant.

Insulator – Insulators offer sturdy opposition to electrical currents; they have more ohms than conductors. They are often used to coat conductive wires and circuits both to contain the circuit and prevent electric shock. Rubber is one of the best insulators.

Conductor – A conductor is a substance that offers little resistance to electricity; conductors have far fewer ohms than insulators. Currents flow quickly through conductors. Metals are the best conductors, with copper being the most popular for electrical work due to its cost efficiency.

Units

Electrical Components to Use

 

The following units are related as they pertain to the measurement of electricity and the strength of currents.

Ampere (A) – An ampere, or amp, is a unit of measurement for electrical currents. The amperage is the volume of the electricity flowing through the circuit.

Volt (V) – A volt is a measurement of force with which the current is ready to flow through a circuit. This is the force with which electrons move through the medium. It is the pressure on the electricity in the circuit.

Ohm – An ohm is a unit of resistance that the medium through which the current is passing offers against the current. Different substances resist current more than others. Conductors offer less resistance than insulators.

Watt (W) – Watts are units of electrical power over a period of time (more specifically, one joule per second). Kilowatts are also commonly used, which are 1000 Watts. W = A x V

Electrical Conduit

Electrician Trade Programs in Chicago

Hand bender – A hard bender is a tool used to manually bend electrical conduit. Conduit is metal tubing that protects electrical wiring. Conduit often needs to be bent to fit where it has to go within the frame of a building. Hard benders come in multiple sizes to accommodate different tasks.

Four bend saddle – A four bend saddle is a structure that allows conduit, and the wiring inside it, to go around square and rectangular obstacles. The four bends create a trapezoid shape up and over the obstruction. There is also a three-bend saddle that is used to maneuver around round obstacles, such as other conduits.

Now that you have a better grasp of some of common electrical terms, you can show up to your first day of your electrician training program with confidence. All that is left for you to do is find the right program. If you live in the Chicago area, there’s no better choice than Coyne College in Chicago.

Power your electric career with a Coyne education

Lineman in Chicago - Coyne College

Coyne College offers two programs for aspiring electrical workers: electrical construction and planning program and electrical construction and maintenance program. The former can be finished in as few as 78 weeks, whereas the latter takes 42 to 56 weeks to complete. Both programs will teach you the essentials of electrical work and prepare you for entry-level roles in the field.

As a student in either of Coyne College’s electrical programs, you will take classes in relevant topics such as:

  •      Electrical and Electronic Principles
  •      Electrical Test and Equipment Safety
  •      Electrical Construction – Residential
  •      Electrical Theory and Applications

You’ll learn from Coyne’s highly knowledgeable instructors in a setting that fosters your personal growth as an electrical worker. What’s more, both programs are available days and nights to help you fit your a career education into your busy schedule.

Coyne College career services department can help students with job placement, including apprenticeships. Coyne College has more than 110 years of experience in helping transform students with dreams into qualified, skilled trade professionals.

Plug yourself into a new career today. To learn more about Coyne College and its electrical programs, visit us online at Coynecollege.edu

Alumni Spotlight: Apryl Raggs – Electrical Construction and Maintenance

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Electrical Program Alumni - Coyne College

“I chose Coyne College because it was close and I heard only good things about it”, stated graduate Apryl Raggs. Interested in a career in Electrical Construction and Maintenance? Hear from Electrical Program grad April Raggs on her experience at Coyne College and her advice to students.

With a 120 years of teaching experience Coyne College gives you the hands-on training you’ll need to get the job done.

 

April Raggs: My name is April Raggs and the program I graduated from was Electrical Construction and Maintenance

I chose Coyne College because it was close and I heard only good things about it, so I figured I should come. The thing I liked most about it was mainly the teachers and how good they were able with explaining stuff and helping you out and making sure that you figure things out. They were just really helpful throughout the whole thing.

Some classes where you just sit in class and you just do math, where you have classes where you’re actually doing hands-on stuff like the little boards and doing wires with lights and stuff or a big lab where you do actual construction work and you bend pipes. My short term goals are to get my associate’s degree in electrical construction and maintenance and my long term goals are to just have a good career in doing electrical work. I’ll give a student advice, I would tell them to make sure that they study and just pay attention in class because as long as you study and pay attention, then you always be good.

An Electrician’s Role in Addressing Climate Change

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Electricians Role in Climate Change - Coyne College

The energy that powers our homes and businesses is a contributor to climate change. Fortunately, some of the things electricians commonly do can help combat the effects of our energy usage on the future of the planet.

As an electrician, you, too, can help people save money and the planet by offering your expertise in electrical work. One of the best ways to get started down a path to becoming an electrician in Chicagoland is by enrolling in one of Coyne College’s electrician programs.

Coyne College offers two programs: Electrical Construction and Maintenance and Electrical Construction and Planning. Both will teach you the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful electrical worker. For more information on Coyne College and their electrical programs, log on to Coynecollege.edu.

Coyne Electrical Climate Change

Spring Checklist for your HVAC System

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Spring HVAC Checklist - Coyne College

Spring is the perfect time to start over and clean things up around your home. Your HVAC system is no exception. It helps increase the comfort of your home. Here are some tips for ensuring your HVAC system performs well throughout the spring and into the summer months.

These tips can help you get your HVAC system ready for spring and summer. Scheduling routine maintenance can help prolong the life of your furnace and air conditioner as well.

You can join the many talented HVAC technicians by starting your career at Coyne College in Chicago. Coyne College’s HVAC Refrigeration program will equip you with the skills and knowledge necessary to enter the field with confidence.

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Why You Need an Electrical Inspection of Your Home

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Electrical Inspection - Coyne College

An electrical inspection is a comprehensive checkup of your home’s electrical components, from the ground wire to the outlets and the wiring and fuse box. Having an electrical inspection of your home conducted has many benefits. Before getting to those, perhaps you are wondering when you should have an electrical inspection done. Here are a few guidelines:

Before Buying a House

You wouldn’t buy a house with faulty or dangerous electrical wiring, would you? The best way to ensure a home you are looking to purchase is free of a potentially dangerous electrical system is to have an inspection done before you purchase the house. All it takes to set up an inspection is a call to an experienced electrician.

After Major Renovations

Renovations to your home have the potential to change the configuration your home’s electrical components. For this reason, it is a good idea to have an electrical inspection done following the completion of such renovations. It’s also recommended if you are adding a new home appliance to the mix or replacing an existing one. An electrical inspection of your home following a renovation is especially beneficial if you are looking to sell your newly renovated home.

Why do we need electrical Inspection

You Live in an Older House

Routine electrical inspections of older homes can help you make sure your home’s electrical system is still functioning properly. Older homes, such as ones built before 1940, may have obsolete lighting technology, such as knob-and-tube lighting. An electrical inspection will help you know whether or not that is the case and whether it is working as it should.

Now that you know when to do an electrical inspection of your home, let’s get to why they are so important.

Save Money

That’s right. Having an electrical inspection can actually lead to a smaller electric bill in your mailbox each month. During an electrical inspection of your house, an electrician can tell you if your current electrical system’s inefficiency is costing you money. This is particularly true of older houses, especially those that have knob-and-tube wiring. Not only does upgrading your electrical wiring cut your monthly electricity spending, it also helps reduce your carbon footprint.

Avoid Potential Hazards

The best way to check if your home’s electrical system is functioning properly is to have a professional check it out. Even if you are a skilled DIYer, it can’t hurt to have a professional electrician inspect the electrical components and reassure you no mistakes were made. An electrical inspection of your house helps prevent future mishaps due to issues with your electrical system, including malfunctions and fires. Fires are the primary threat faulty electrical components pose.

Importance of Electrical Inspection at Home

Housing/Electrical Codes

Another reason electrical inspections of your house are important is that they help ensure your home is not in violation of any local or federal electrical codes. Most local codes are based on the National Electrical Code (NEC) set forth by the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA). As a handy rule of thumb, when local and national codes are in conflict, the local code takes precedent over the national code. Electricians in your area should be well-versed in the subject matter and know whether or not your home’s setup is currently violating the local or national code.

Safety

Above all, as you can likely deduce from the last couple points, the purpose of home electrical inspections is to maintain your safety. Having an electrician come inspect your electrical wiring helps reduce the incidence of hazards such as electrical fires. If you haven’t had one done in a while, a trained electrician in your area is only a phone call away.

As a trained electrician, you can help protect people by conducting electrical inspections as part of your job. Before you can do that, though, you need to learn the electrical trade inside and out. Thankfully, Coyne College’s electrical programs can help you out with that.

Electrify Your Career at Coyne College

Coyne College in Chicago offers two programs for aspiring electrical workers: electrical construction and planning and electrical construction and maintenance.

Coyne College’s programs are available during days and nights at its Chicago Loop campus, located at the intersection of State and Madison streets. We are committed to helping you find a balance between your everyday commitments and a stellar electrical education.

Our electrical construction and planning program can be completed in as few as 78 weeks, whereas the electrical construction and maintenance program can be finished in 42 to 56 weeks. It simply depends on whether you take day or night classes.

As a student in either of Coyne College’s electrical programs, you will gain a comprehensive knowledge of electrical work in classes such as:

  • Electrical and Electronic Principles
  • Electrical Test and Equipment Safety
  • Electrical Construction – Residential
  • Electrical Theory and Applications

You will learn the ins and outs of the electrician trade in a setting that focuses on your individual success. Coyne College’s highly knowledgeable instructors have years of real-world experience under their belts and are eager to help you make the most of your education.

In addition to flexibility and quality instruction, Coyne College’s career services department can help you with job placement, including apprenticeships.  Coyne College has more than 110 years of experience in helping transform students with dreams into qualified, skilled trade professionals.

Discover all that Coyne College has to offer and begin your journey to a new career today by visiting https://www.coynecollege.edu/.

Electrical Linemen vs. Electrical Wiremen

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Electrical lineman and Wire men Difference - Coyne College

An electrical lineman and an electrical wireman are both specialized electrical workers. Each likely underwent similar training in an electrician training program at a trade school or community college. Both deal with installing, repairing and maintaining electrical components. Both work with electrical wiring in some form or another. In many ways, that’s where the comparisons end.  

While all electrical linemen have the ability to work their magic on power lines, there are actually two kinds of wiremen: inside and residential. Inside wiremen specialize in installation and maintenance of electrical components in commercial and industrial buildings. Residential wiremen, on the other hand, work in houses, apartment buildings, condominiums and other places of residence, as the name implies. For the sake of this post, we’ll discuss wiremen in general.

So what are the differences between linemen and wiremen? Here are just a few:

Heights

Working as an electrical lineman is a lot easier if you are not afraid of heights. Electrical linemen work on electrical power lines, which requires going up where the lines are. This usually means climbing or going up in a cherry picker to service utility poles and transmission towers.

While the lowest height that power lines can hang in most residential areas is 10 feet, most utility poles are 40 feet long with six feet of them in the ground. That means linemen are usually 30 feet or higher in the air while servicing them. Transmission towers, alternatively, tend to range between 50 to 180 feet in height. Successful linemen are comfortable working at these heights for extended periods, sometimes multiple hours at a time. Wiremen, on the other hand, do not need to worry about heights.

Difference Between Electrical Linemen and Wiremen

On-the-Job Danger

It’s essential for both wiremen and linemen to know what they are doing in order to avoid getting electrocuted. However, linemen are working with higher voltage currents than their wiremen counterparts. Long-distance transmission lines can carry currents that are hundreds of thousands of volts strong. On the lower end of the spectrum, power lines that provide electricity in residential and business areas often carry currents of less than 10,000 volts, which can be just as lethal as the current of a transmission line. It goes without saying that linemen need to use extreme caution when working on the lines.

On top of the fatal amounts of electricity they work near on a daily basis, electrical linemen are also the first ones to be sent out to repair lines in the midst of thunderstorms and other natural disasters. This adds a whole other level of danger to an occupation that is already among the most dangerous in the country.

Yet another source of potential injury or fatality is falling from the heights at which they work. Electrical linemen need to carefully follow safety procedures to avoid injury and death. While wiremen don’t deal with as much danger as linemen, they still need to be cognizant of the electricity around which they work in business and residential settings.

Buildings and Power Lines

As you can probably tell from the other differences between linemen and wiremen we have discussed thus far, they work in very different settings. Electrical linemen spend most of their time on the job up in the air working on utility poles and power lines, while wiremen devote their days to installing, maintaining and repairing electrical components in buildings. Though the work each kind of electrical worker does is different and done in vastly different settings, they both play essential roles in bringing us the power of electricity.

Whether you see yourself working as a lineman or a wireman, you will be happy to know that there is a demand for both. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of electrical power line installation and repair jobs is projected to increase 14 percent by 2026, compared to the 2016 number. Meanwhile, the number of electrician jobs, which includes wireman roles, is expected to climb by nine percent during the same period.

In short, the current demand and expected shortage of skilled trade workers in the coming years makes now a good time to become an electrical worker. There is no better place to learn the essentials of electrical work than Chicago’s Coyne College.

Difference Between Electrical Linemen and Wiremen

Start Your Electrical Work Career at Coyne College

Coyne College is one of Chicago’s top trade schools and offers two programs for aspiring electrical workers: electrical construction and planning, and electrical construction and maintenance. Both programs are available during days and nights at the Coyne’s Chicago Loop campus at the intersection of State and Madison streets. At Coyne College, we’re dedicated to helping you fit your electrical education into your busy schedule.

The electrical construction and planning program can be completed in as few as 78 weeks. The electrical construction and maintenance program, on the other hand, can be finished in 42 to 56 weeks, depending on whether you take day or night classes.

As a student in either of Coyne College’s electrical programs, you will be submerged in classes such as:

  • Electrical and Electronic Principles
  • Electrical Test and Equipment Safety
  • Electrical Construction – Residential
  • Electrical Theory and Applications
  • And more!

You will learn the ins and outs of the electrician trade in a setting that focuses on your individual success and be taught by Coyne’s highly knowledgeable instructors who have years of real-world experience under their belts.

The Coyne College career services department can help students with job placement, including apprenticeships.  Coyne College has more than 110 years of experience in helping transform students with dreams into qualified, skilled trade professionals.

Discover all that Coyne College has to offer and begin your journey to a new career today by visiting https://www.coynecollege.edu/.

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