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

     "An additional 20,000 technicians and installers are needed each year to work in this fast-paced, ever growing, exciting and rewarding industry," said the group in a statement. "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, rewarding salary, life-long employment, and opportunity."

     Cool Careers-Hot Jobs provides a detailed overview of what the heating, ventilating, air conditioning, refrigeration (HVACR) and plumbing industry is and why HVACR and plumbing 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 over 1,300 HVACR training schools to find the one closest to them, search for financial aid information, and link to other important industry associations. The site also contains an audio section where viewers can listen to how they can become part of an industry that helps improve the quality of life for millions of people.

     Announcement of the Web site is being sent to 10,000 weekly and daily newspapers in the United States. In addition, the Web site is being promoted by the member organizations in newsletters, chapter announcements and Career Day events.

     Representatives from the coalition met recently to discuss the Web site, as well as how HVACR and plumbing organizations could work together on initiatives to alleviate the technician shortage. The coalition is represented by members in organizations such as the Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute (ARI), Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association (GAMA), Refrigeration Services Engineers Society (RSES), American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA), North American Heating Refrigerating Air Conditioning Wholesalers (NHRAW), Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors--National Association (PHCC), International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration (IIAR), the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Wholesalers International (ARWI), Air Movement & Control Association (AMCA), the Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI), and many others.

     "Cool Careers - Hot Jobs is your pipeline to the future and the first step to a great career in our industry," said the Career Education Coalition.

     For more information about this new Web site, visit Cool Careers-Hot Jobs at www.coolcareers.org, e-mail: info@coolcareers.org, or write to "Cool Careers," P.O. box 4361, Washington, DC 20044.