A coalition of organizations representing the HVACR and plumbing industry launched a new Web site to explain the industry's lifetime career benefits to students, parents, educators and counselors.

A coalition of organizations representing the heating, air conditioning, refrigeration and plumbing industry launched a new Web site to explain the industry's lifetime career benefits to students, parents, educators, counselors and individuals looking for retraining ¿ Cool Careers, Hot Jobs (www.coolcareers.org).

"An additional 20,000 technicians and installers are needed each year to work in this industry," according to the group. "This Web site will be used to inform people across America that a career in the industry can offer variety, job security, respect, upward mobility, a rewarding salary, life-long employment and opportunity."

The site provides a detailed overview of what the HVAC and plumbing industry is and why the industry is important to society. Types of jobs available are described, and there are tips on how to get started in the industry. Individuals can browse through a database of more than 1,300 HVACR training schools, search for locations close to them and find financial aid information.

Coalition members include: the Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute; the Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association; Refrigeration Services Engineers Society; Air Conditioning Contractors of America; Northamerican Heating, Refrigeration and Airconditioning Wholesalers; Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors - National Association; Air-conditioning and Refrigeration Wholesalers International; Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada; the International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration; and the Air Movement & Control Association.

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