HVAC Apprenticeship Requirements

An HVAC apprenticeship can range from two to four years, depending on if the individual is enrolled in a certificate program or a degree program. The HVAC tech who is working in an apprenticeship program will work at a lower wage than a certified tech and will learn how to install, maintain and repair heating and cooling systems by observing the training tech and also performing these duties under the supervision of their trainer. Here we will find out more regarding the benefits of an apprenticeship, the material an apprentice will learn and how they can find employment after completing one of these programs.

Having a Registered Apprentice Sponsor and the Required Hours

After you have completed a HVAC program you’ll need to complete a one to four year internship in order to obtain the required field knowledge.  During an apprenticeship the student will learn on the job training and will work a specified number of hours in the trade in order to obtain their certification. The usual hour requirement for this field is 2,000 hours.  hvac agent

The sponsored apprenticeship program will consist of on the job training in conjunction with classroom work and will be sponsored by a trade associate or employer. This can provide the student with a free HVAC program in exchange for signing an employment contract with the HVAC sponser for a period of two to three years.

In an apprenticeship you will learn electrical and general safety, grounding and transformer theory, service and overcurrent protection, wiring and DC electricity, how to use electric mechanical equipment, basic motors and controls, chimneys, flues and vent cleaning and maintenance, air distribution systems and how to maintain heat pumps and compressors. During this time you will work in all types of environments such as schools, hospitals, government buildings and businesses.

 

Benefits of an Apprenticeship and the Salary

Working as an apprentice you will be able to get your foot in the door as far as future employment with the company you are apprenticing with. Should you decide that you want to find employment elsewhere you can use the opportunity of your apprenticeship as a way to network with professional HVAC techs, HVAC sales associates and project managers.

The salary for the HVAC apprenticeship will range from 15,000$ to 30,000$ depending on the state you live in and the company you are interning for. States such as California will offer a salary of 25,000$ to 35,000$. The apprenticeships that are available within unions are highly competitive and will typically take a recommendation from a current union worker or an associate’s degree.

The average salary for the certified HVAC technician will range from 30,000$ to 40,000$ after the tech has gained two to three years of experience.

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