An HVAC technician is a trades professional who repairs, maintains, installs, and removes heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. They work in residential, industrial, and commercial areas to make any room comfortable and with a healthy indoor air quality. In this article, we’ll detail what is involved in the program, how long it takes to become certified, and the top 8 programs in the U.S., including those from Johnson County, North Dakota State College, and Universal Technical Institute.
Quick look
- HVAC technicians repair, install, and maintain heating and cooling equipment.
- Apprenticeships provide students with the opportunity to earn an income while pursuing their education.
- The average apprenticeship program lasts for 3 to 5 years.
- Top HVAC technician schools include Foothill College, Penn Foster, and Trane Technologies.
- The average post-apprenticeship salary is around $58,782.
What is an HVAC technician apprenticeship?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the HVAC industry is predicted to grow 6% from 2022 to 2032. Aside from construction demand, retirees and those who transition to other fields or out of the trade industry largely contribute to this growth.
Those looking for a stable and rewarding career as an HVAC technician can get their foot in the door via an apprenticeship.
HVAC apprenticeship programs combine on-the-job training with classroom technical education. The programs range in length and scope, but broadly teach aspiring technicians how to maintain, install, and repair HVAC units.
During their schooling, HVAC apprentices learn practical skills such as troubleshooting, soldering, using basic tools, and checking electrical circuits, among others. They also learn the fundamentals of blueprint reading, safety, and HVAC system theory. These programs, combined with their on-the-job components, typically last several years as workers progress from basic tasks and assisting duties to become fully certified professionals.
How long is an HVAC apprenticeship program?
Apprenticeship length varies depending on state requirements, the company with which the apprentice works, and the type of certification being pursued. The typical range, however, is 3 to 5 years. This duration includes the paid on-the-job training and the technical instruction in the classroom.
The Gateway Community College program, for example, is completed in one year, and entry-level salaries for apprentices upon completion of the technical program are approximately $29,670 per year.
8 of the best HVAC apprenticeship programs across the U.S.
1. Johnson County Community College
Program name: Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC), AAS
Location: Overland Park, Kansas
Length: 2 years
Program link: https://www.jccc.edu/academics/credit/hvac/hvac-aas.html
2. Trane Technologies
Program name: HVAC Technician Apprenticeship Program
Location: Multiple
Length: 4 years
Program link: https://careers.tranetechnologies.com/global/en/commercial-hvac-technician-apprenticeship-program
3. Gateway Community College
Program name: HVAC Residential Installation and Service Technician (Day)
Location: Multiple
Length: 1 year
Program link: https://www.gatewaycc.edu/degrees-certificates/applied-technology/hvac-residential-installation-and-service-technician-day-1108-cct
4. Foothill College
Program name: Apprenticeship – Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technology
Location: Los Altos Hills, California
Length: 5 years
Program link: https://catalog.foothill.edu/degrees-certificates/apprenticeship-air-conditioning-refrigeration-technology/
5. North Dakota State College of Science
Program name: Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technology
Location: Wahpeton, North Dakota
Length: 2 years
Program link: https://ndscs.edu/program/hvacr/
6. Universal Technical Institute
Program name: HVACR Technician School
Location: Multiple
Length: 10 months
Program link: https://www.uti.edu/programs/hvacr
7. Penn Foster
Program name: HVACR Technician
Location: Online
Length: 5 months
Program link: https://www.pennfoster.edu/programs/trades/hvac-technician-career-diploma
8. New England Institute of Technology
Program name: Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Technology Associate Degree, AS
Location: Warwick, Rhode Island
Length: 18 months
Program link: https://www.neit.edu/academics/associate-degrees/refrigeration-air-conditioning-heating-technology-as
General entry requirements for HVAC apprenticeship programs
The requirements for each program may vary. Course material may change based on the specific state, and compliance laws may differ depending on the jurisdiction. Generally, though, apprentices should:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Have a GED or a high school diploma
- Be in good physical health
While not required, it’s also beneficial to have basic math skills and a great attitude toward collaboration, teamwork, and client interactions. It also doesn’t hurt to familiarize yourself with popular HVAC software programs. Pre-apprenticeship training is non-mandatory, but it can help aspiring technicians prepare for the hands-on training that follows.
Types of HVAC technician apprenticeships
HVAC worker working on a modern heat pump outside a house. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock.
Some apprentice programs cover HVAC technician duties broadly, while others niche down into special education. HVAC technician program variations may include:
- Residential HVAC Technician
- Commercial & Industrial HVAC Technician
- HVAC Refrigeration Technician
Some programs also focus on installation or maintenance specifically. A common path for HVAC professionals is through a 313A Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic apprenticeship or a 313D Residential Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic program. This includes commercial, industrial, and residential sectors.
What daily life looks like during an HVAC apprenticeship
There’s a mix of in-class and on-site work for HVAC technician apprentices. Daily life looks different depending on whether you have a heavy day in class or on the job.
For days on the job, apprentices can expect early mornings, driving to the site, and assisting senior or specialized technicians. They’ll learn to use equipment and be asked for their input for troubleshooting inquiries. The more experience they gain with the tools and exercise their theoretical knowledge and problem-solving skills, the more hands-on the apprentice will become.
The apprentice can also expect to interact directly with clients or customers, relaying job status, diagnosing broken equipment, and more. This mix of handiwork, collaboration, and critical thinking, in tandem with their coursework, will enable the experience and expertise to ramp up quickly.
Average HVAC professional salary in the U.S.
According to ZipRecruiter, yearly salaries for HVAC technician apprentices range from $22,000 to $57,000 per year. Here are the averages for apprenticeships and fully certified technicians, including a few common specializations.
- Entry-level apprenticeship average salary: $40,076
- Post-apprenticeship average salary: $58,782
- Commercial HVAC technician average salary: $65,448
- Commercial HVAC installer average salary: $55,555
- HVAC dispatcher average salary: $45,823
Unionized technicians generally earn more due to negotiated standardized benefits, better job security, and other total compensation benefits, such as pensions. The state in which the worker operates will also impact the average salary. Licensed technicians in California, for example, will earn more than those who work in Oklahoma.
Is an HVAC apprenticeship program right for you?
If you’re a problem solver who likes to work with their hands, collaborate with customers, and work on exciting construction projects, an HVAC technician apprenticeship might be perfect for you.
You can earn while you learn, specialize in a certain HVAC field, and you’ll enjoy job security for life. All it takes is 3 to 5 years of on-site and in-class training. It’s a social job that stimulates the mind, works the body, and serves as a great entry point into a long career in the AEC industry.
Liked this article about HVAC apprenticeship programs? Check out our other articles on popular apprenticeships in AEC:
- Plumbing apprenticeship: how to get one and become certified
- How to get an electrician apprenticeship in the U.S.
- The best trade apprenticeships in construction
- Top 9 lineman apprenticeship programs in the USA
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