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Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) technicians often enjoy a rewarding and hands-on trade . These technicians require practical skills, problem-solving abilities and a passion for technical knowledge about heating, A/C and refrigeration equipment.

Individuals working in this trade should also understand HVAC safety standards. Whether you’re an HVAC student starting training classes, or you’ve been working in the field for years, you can find ways to protect yourself and others from potential hazards. Here are some HVAC safety tips to improve day-to-day operations:

Assess the situation

When an HVAC technician arrives at a jobsite, he or she should look around to understand the environment. Where is the HVAC equipmentlocated? How many exits are there? What potential accidents or hazards might be present? Every jobsite is unique, and it’s crucial to evaluate the scene before getting to work. By pausing to reflect on the work setting, HVAC technicians give themselves valuable time to remember HVAC safety tips and act on them.

Wear safety gear

In addition to assessing the workspace, HVAC technicians should also ensure that they protect their body from potential accidents, chemical spills, electrical hazards and falls. Some individuals in the HVAC trade wear durable clothes to ensure the skin on their arms and legs doesn’t come into contact with sharp metal edges on air conditioners, heating systems or ventilation shafts. Gloves, protective eyewear and masks can also help increase safety for HVAC workers.

Related: Questions Homeowners Ask About HVAC Systems

Handle equipment properly

While assessing a job, HVAC technicians can determine what types of heating or cooling appliances are present and what tools or equipment they need to inspect and repair issues. Therefore, knowledge about trade tools is key. In combination with HVAC historyand theory, individuals learn hands-on skills in trade school, where they have the opportunity to handle HVAC service tech tools in a shop setting with experienced instructors. This is valuable training for entry-level employment and can go a long way in maintaining HVAC safety standards in the field.

Learn HVAC Safety in Trade School

Do you have a passion for working with your hands? If you enjoy problem-solving and have an interest in heating and cooling repair, learn more about the A/C Refrigeration Program at Apex Technical School. Classes are starting soon, and our Admissions team is scheduling appointments to help answer your questions.

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When trying to determine the next step on your educational or career path, it can be difficult to make a decision that feels right. You might have many questions and few answers. If you’re considering trade school, one of the main questions on your mind is likely, “Is trade school worth it?” To help you find more information to make this decision, we’ve compiled a few reasons why students say they choose to attend trade school.

3 Benefits of Trade School

Trade school can provide valuable benefits for students from a variety of backgrounds and situations. For example, trade school students may be recent high school graduates, single parents, part-time workers, or full-time working individuals who want to go back to school to start a new career path. Whatever your situation or circumstance, you may find that trade school is a good fit for you. Here are a few reasons to think seriously about enrolling in trade school.

Shorter Time to Learn

Compared to a traditional four-year college experience or two-year community college experience, it takes less time to learn skills at trade school. For example, at Apex Technical School, students can complete their program in as little as seven months. Some students prefer to spend a shorter amount of time in school so they can more quickly enter their field of choice.

Related: How Long Is Trade School?

Hands-on Training

Hands-on training is one of the best ways to learn trade skills. By learning how to do trade techniques yourself—instead of simply hearing about them—you are more likely to remember information to use later at a job. Trade school provides students with valuable hands-on opportunities to work in the shop setting and use tools of the trade. Students enjoy studyingthis knowledge at trade school because they often feel more prepared once they step into the field.

Learn About Theory and Safety

Theory is the “why” behind an approach or idea. In addition to hands-on skills, trade schools like Apex Technical School teach trade theory so students understand why they learn about certain topics or techniques. Theory is grounded in the history of a trade. For example, the history of plumbing goes back thousands of years, and some old ideas are still important to the field today. In addition to theory and history, students at trade school also benefit from learning trade safety. Depending on which program you take, safety procedures may differ. Welding safety gear and guidelines may be different from those in construction—but all safety measures are always important at school and in your career.

Explore Trade School Programs at Apex

Now that you know more about the benefits of vocational school, see if Apex has a program that’s right for you. With several programs to choose from, you may find a path you’re interested in by browsing our programs . Have questions? We’re happy to talk to you. Contact us and we’ll be in touch soon.

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Advancements in new technology drive the construction industry forward. When you hear “construction technology,” what comes to mind first? Some think about robots that perform human tasks or super computers that manage large amounts of worksite data. However, technology is more than innovative equipment that can accomplish tasks for you. It includes software and machinery—and more traditional devices such as power tools and hand tools.

How Is Technology Used in Construction?

From trade school students to senior management on a construction jobsite, technology can influence productivity, safety and collaboration. Learn more about how technology in the construction industry can help some workers be more efficient.

Productivity

Every construction site is different with unique opportunities and challenges. Technology can make it easier for jobsite managers or foremen to streamline processes. With streamlined processes, planning becomes easier. Plus, productivity can increase because workers have clear expectations. Managers can use certain software to manage projects, from scheduling to reporting and more. Mobile apps can help individuals in the construction trade access timecards and work records.

Related: 5 Signs a Construction Career Path is Right for You

Safety and Training

Some construction sites implement new technology to improve safety on the jobor to enhance onboarding and training. Worker training is important to keep everyone safe, whether workers are using their carpentry skills to build a residential home or operating equipment for a commercial construction project. Training can include learning how to use devices, such as wearable technology, to improve worker safety.

Wearable tech can be added to hard hats, vests and work boots to monitor workers’ health through sensors or their location with GPS. Wearables may also give workers access to a Wi-Fi hotspot, enabling them to sign online to review project details. Some construction projects are increasingly using drones to take aerial photos of a project in progress, conduct inspections or identify risks before a hazard occurs.

Collaboration

On a large or noisy construction site, flexibility is key. Workers may be required to complete solo tasks, then help other crew members finish a related assignment. This type of environment needs collaboration and clear communication to function smoothly. Smartphones and tablets make communication easier and faster. They also enable workers to answer calls, check in on the go and resolve issues quickly.

While devices with screens can make construction work more efficient, it’s important to remember that practical skills and basic tools still power the average worksite. That’s why trade schools like Apex provide valuable, hands-on learning with fundamental tools such as:

• Hammers and nail pullers
• Screwdrivers and drills
• Measuring tapes, rulers and levels
• Framing squares and speed squares
• Table saws, chop saws, circular saws and hand saws
• Chisels and tile cutters

Knowing how to use basic tools of the trade has a huge impact on jobsite productivity and collaboration. You can work smarter when your whole crew has the skills to use tools efficiently.

Learn More About Construction Trade School

Technology can impact a variety of construction processes. Some worksites may use a combination of new technology and traditional technology, such as power tools and hand tools. At Apex, our instructors teach how to use common tools of the trade. Visit our programs page to find out more about the Construction and Building Skills Program at Apex.

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Is it hard to get into trade school in New York? How do I know if I’m qualified to enroll? How quickly can I finish trade school compared to a traditional four-year college? These are common questions the staff at Apex receive every day. We help individuals who are interested in learning more about trade school find the answers they need and enroll at our school if it’s a good fit. Find out more about the requirements for trade school below.

Vocational School Requirements for Enrollment

Apex has four main requirements for trade school, which include:

• You must be at least 18 years of age. We also accept students who are 17 years of age with parental consent. You may be enrolled if you are 16 1/2 years old and have a release letter from your New York State high school.
• If you do not have a high school diploma or a GED, you must achieve a satisfactory score on a standardized examination.
• You will have an interview with an Admissions Representative at the school to see if Apex is right for you.
• You will be given information on the cost of attendance and financial assistance you may be eligible for. After careful consideration and you determine that Apex is right for you, you will sign an enrollment agreement and pay an application fee.

To learn more about the standardized examination, please contact us. We are happy to answer all your questions and want to make sure you get the information you need to make an informed decision about attending trade school. To learn more about transfer hours, visit our Admissions page.

Trade School Program Requirements

When you enroll in one of our seven programs , you’ll get the opportunity to split your time between the classroom and the shop. One of the benefits of trade school at Apex is the 900 hours of instruction and hands-on training students complete before finishing their program. Programs can be completed in as little as seven months.

Our trade programs include:

• Automotive Service & Repair
• Air Conditioning, Refrigeration, Appliance/Controls
• Auto Body Repair
• Combination Welding Technology
• Electrical & Advanced Electrical
• Construction & Building Skills
• Plumbing & Pipefitting

Is Financial Aid for Trade School Available?

Some students are interested in financial aid for trade school. Financial assistance can vary from person to person. When you contact our school, you will receive information on the cost of attendance and financial assistance you may be eligible for. If you determine that Apex is right for you, you will sign an enrollment agreement and pay an application fee. You will also learn when your classes start and any other course requirements, such as tools you may receive.

Interested in learning more about enrolling at Apex? Contact us today online or by calling 212-645-3300.

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At our trade school for plumbing, students get entry-level skills and hands-on training they can use on their career path. Learn about three plumbing school benefits that can help equip you to enter the plumbing field.

A Variety of Skills and Locations

Students who go to trade school for plumbing can look forward to learning a variety of skills and using tools to maintain and repair different fixtures. In addition to toilets, plumbing students enrolled in trade school practice working with:

• Sinks
• Pipes
• Water heaters
• Water supply systems
• Valves and faucets
• And much more

Once they enter their career field, some plumbers may work in residential homes, while others may work in commercial buildings. Like an electrical career path, plumbing gives you the chance to experience different settings—maybe a dozen or more in a regular work week. If you’re someone who likes different work environments, plumbing school may be the path for you.

Plumbing School Can Lead to Independence

Do you have family obligations or want scheduling flexibility when it comes to your future career path? Plumbing school can provide the entry-level skills to pursue a career path like plumbing, where some workers have the opportunity to work alone if they so choose. Plumbers who go into business for themselves can set their own hours, which gives them more independence to balance personal responsibilities with their work schedule.

Related: Plumbing and Pipefitting Training: A Day in the Life at Apex

Hands-on Work vs. Sitting at a Desk

At a trade school like Apex, we provide plumbing students with instruction that is split between the classroom and the shop. We understand that most plumbers aren’t stuck in an office at a desk all day—instead, they spend their days moving, lifting, repairing and interacting with customers. Many of our students find value in hands-on trainingin our shop, where they can use plumbing tools, put theory into practice, and work alongside peers and instructors.

Plumbing School Benefits

For many individuals working in the plumbing field, their own trade school experience offered new perspectives and opportunities to learn skills for working in an exciting industry. As you think about whether you have a future in the plumbing industry, keep these top plumbing school benefits in mind:

• Hands-on training
• Skills for an entry-level position
• Opportunity to learn about and handle a variety of fixtures and tools
• Potential to work on the job, not behind a desk

Apex offers our Plumbing and Pipefitting program , which includes six segments that teach basic plumbing safety, plumbing history, pipe systems, plumbing tools and much more. Find out more about the program now or contact us to get answers to your questions.

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Protection is one of the first things individuals in the welding industry learn about their trade. Welding protective gear can help keep the skin, eyes, hair and face safe from the task at hand. At Apex, we require safety gear for welding students in the shop, where students engage in hands-on learning with welding tools and equipment . Keep reading to learn about the types of PPE required for welding—from professional welding helmets to protective hand gloves and more.

PPE Required for Welding

Welding requires personal protective equipment (PPE) to keep the welder safe from hot metal, bright light and UV radiation. Different types of welding may call for various types of gear. Common types of welding protective gear found in the industry include:

• Welding helmets
• Goggles
• Respirators
• Fire/flame resistant jackets or aprons
• Ear plugs
• Gloves

Why Is Eye Protection Important in Welding?

Welding protective gear for the eyes helps shield against ultraviolet radiation, flying particles, debris, sparks, intense light, irritation and chemical burns. Eye injuries can occur from bright welding light; therefore, welders should wear helmets fitted with a shade appropriate for the type of welding they are doing.

If a welder is not wearing a welding helmet with an eye shield, he or she should wear safety goggles with side protection to prevent particles and debris from entering the goggles and damaging the eyes.

Using Protective Hand Gloves for the Skin

Insulated gloves protect against electric shock, heat, burns and fires. Protect the wrists and forearms by wearing cuff-style leather gloves with protective sleeves. When kept dry, leather is a good electrical insulator. Gloves also protect the skin against ultraviolet radiation while allowing range of motion and an enhanced grip. According to Engineering 360, three common types of protective hand gloves include:

• TIG welding gloves – Designed to provide adequate protection and finger sensitivity. Made of goat, cow, or pig hides.
• MIG welding gloves – Designed to provide maximum protection with some dexterity. Made of pig, cow, or deer hides.
• Stick welding gloves – Designed to provide the most robust protection. Made of cow or elk hides.

Related: Common Welding Types

Tips for Wearing Protective Clothing

All clothing types aren’t suitable for welding. It’s best to wear clothing made from heavy-weight wool or cotton to protect against ultraviolet radiation and flames. Make sure clothes don’t come into contact with oils or gasoline, as these are combustible and can catch fire easily. Wear high boots to protect the legs, ankles and feet from hot metal sparks.

Do not wear:

• Jewelry
• Synthetic materials
• Torn or frayed clothing
• Broken or damaged helmet lenses

Learn more about the Combination Welding Technology Program at Apex Technical School by visiting our program page or by contacting us today.

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Trade school can give students a sense of personal fulfillment and the opportunity to learn a craft. It can also position you for an entry-level position in your chosen industry. If you’re considering your goals for 2021, trade school might be a good option for you. Let us help you start planning for your future in trade school with an introduction to trade programs and the benefits of trade school in 2021.

What Trades Are There?

Skilled trades are an important sector of the workforce and the economy. Tradesmen and tradeswomen keep America strong. However, you might not realize that there are many trades available for you to pursue. Which trade are you interested in? Does it align with your interests and goals? These are a few questions you will want to consider as you think about pursing a trade in 2021.

Here is a list of trade school programs offered at Apex Technical School:

• Air Conditioning, Refrigeration and Appliance Controls
• Automotive Service and Repair
• Auto Body Repair
• Electrical and Advanced Electrical
• Combination Welding Technology
• Construction and Building Skills
• Plumbing and Pipefitting

Benefits of Trade School

Trade school offers benefits that vocational-minded students may not get at a traditional two-year or four-year college. For example, trade school is a good choice for students who want to complete their program and enter their chosen field quickly. At Apex, students can complete their program in as little as seven months vs. two or four years at a traditional college.

In addition, trade school provides a hands-on learning environment where students split their time between the classroom and the shop. Instructors teach about real-world scenarios and students become familiar with tools they might use on the job. This hands-on learning focus can help students prepare for an entry-level position with confidence.

Related: 4 Benefits of Hands-on Learning

Will Trade School Be Online in 2021?

Many schools, colleges and vocation trade schools have reacted quickly in response to the COVID-19 pandemic throughout 2020 and into 2021. Health departments and government officials have mandated safety protocols in many states. Trade schools like Apex have instituted masking and social distancing to keep students and staff as safe as possible.

Apex has also used distance learning, or online learning, during the pandemic to teach theory classes. Depending on current health guidelines and type of coursework, Apex students may or may not participate in distance learning. To stay up to date with COVID-19 restrictions at Apex, visit our FAQ page.

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All of us learn new skills every day. Whether you’re playing a sport, cooking a different meal for dinner or taking a trade class to pursue your education and gain new skills, you’re absorbing new information quickly. This may sound overwhelming, but there are proven ways you can help your brain remember information. Explore these study tips and tricks to learn how to remember what you study in trade school.

Learn How to Take Notes

Note taking is a good way to help your brain remember information you’ll need to use later. Some students like to take notes while they read; some students like to take notes while an instructor speaks. Both approaches can help your brain understand and recall the information when you’re practicing what you learned in the shop or when you’re working in your career.

To take notes, consider using a different color pen to write important terms, such as “arc voltage” in welding or “floor flange” in plumbing. Your brain sees the term in a different color and is more likely to recall it. In addition, don’t worry about grammar, spelling or neat handwriting—instead, focus on the content of the information.

Related: Trade School Tips: How to Be Successful in School

Memorization vs Learning

What does it mean to memorize a fact instead of learning it? When your brain memorizes information, it takes it in and holds onto it word for word. You may remember a fact you memorized the night before a test, but weeks later, you could forget it. When you learn something, your brain is less likely to forget that information over time.

With learning, your brain understands new information—instead of simply storing it away in your mind for a short time. Learning allows you to apply ideas to real-life situations, which is very useful in a variety of technical trades where individuals often need to recall information and put it into practice.

Hands-on Studying

Some students learn best with visual information, such as charts, illustrations and diagrams. Some students are kinesthetic learners—which means they learn best with hands-on practice. If you learn by doing, there are a few steps you can take to energize your approach to studying, such as:

• Chew gum while reading
• Take frequent breaks
• Walk around, tap your pencil or bounce a ball
• Create flashcards

Apex students get the opportunity for hands-on learning in the shop. In addition, you may consider talking about the information you are learning with others. When you explain how to install a light switch or change a tire to a study group, family member or friend, your brain practices remembering that information.

Be Interested in What You’re Learning

Finally, one of the most important ways to remember new information is to enjoy what you’re learning. When you’re interested in the topic, you feel motivated to make it a part of your life—whether it’s learning a new trade, how to speak confidently in front of others, or many other opportunities to expand your skill sets. When you feel driven to learn, you may want to avoid multitasking by placing your phone in your pocket or in another room. Turn off the TV or play your favorite music to help you focus.

At Apex, we are happy to help you find a trade that fits your goals and interests. To learn more about finding a path for your future, contact us today.

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