Studies of heating and ventilation allow students to work in a variety of industries, including mechanical engineering, metallurgy enterprises, chemical, oil and gas. Students learn the theory and practice of heat and air transfer, which they can then use to operate, construct and repair systems such as turbines and boilers.

Many students earn associate degrees during their first few years of higher education. Since they usually require about two years of study, these degrees can act either as job qualifications or as precursors to more advanced degrees.