
An HVACR apprenticeship is a fantastic way to get started in a rewarding career. You'll spend four to five years learning the ins and outs of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.
Apprenticeships combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction, allowing you to earn a salary while you learn.
The pay is decent, too - apprentices typically earn around 50-60% of a Journeyman's wage.
Admission and Requirements
To be eligible for an HVACR apprenticeship, you must meet certain requirements.
You must be at least 18 years old by the program start date, which is usually in the fall semester.
To apply, you'll need to submit a copy of your high school diploma or transcript, as well as a copy of your driver's license.
Additionally, you'll need to provide three letters of recommendation from acquaintances, such as teachers, coaches, or supervisors.
It's also essential to have a laptop or tablet for coursework, as some programs may not offer all courses within every term schedule.
You'll also need to secure a Maryland State HVACR license through the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation.
To confirm your physical ability to work in the HVACR industry, you'll need to obtain a physician clearance, which can be done with a handwritten note on a prescription pad.
If you're currently employed by an HVACR company, you may be eligible for sponsorship.
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Program Details
The HVACR apprenticeship program at Penn Foster is designed to equip learners with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in the field.
The program covers a wide range of topics, including mathematical processes and formulas necessary for designing, evaluating, and installing HVACR systems.
Learners will also study safety procedures and established regulations related to workplace and job requirements.
The estimated base curriculum duration for the HVACR Technician Apprenticeship is 718 hours.
Online courses include topics such as safe handling of pressurized gasses and welding, and preventive maintenance techniques.
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Here is a breakdown of the estimated curriculum duration:
Note: The estimated duration for each course is not specified in the article, so it is represented by a question mark.
Career and Training
HVACR apprenticeships are a great way to learn the trade while earning a living. You can complete the United Association (UA) registered apprenticeship program in 5 years, or less if you already have industry experience.
The majority of your training will take place on-the-job, where you'll learn from experienced technicians and gain hands-on experience. This is combined with classroom instruction at a UA training center, where you'll learn the fundamentals of the trade.
As an apprentice, you'll earn a livable wage and receive great benefits while you learn. This is a win-win situation, as you'll get the training you need to succeed in the field while also supporting yourself financially.
The curriculum for an HVACR apprenticeship typically includes training in mathematics, print reading, pipe fitting, air conditioning systems, and more. Penn Foster's HVACR Technician Apprenticeship curriculum, for example, includes 718 hours of estimated base curriculum duration.
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Here are some specific topics you can expect to learn in an HVACR apprenticeship program:
- Safe Handling of Pressurized Gasses and Welding
- Preventive Maintenance Techniques
- Reading Prints and Schematics
- Principles of Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning
After completing your apprenticeship program, you'll be well on your way to becoming a highly skilled, trained, and certified journeyman HVACR technician. Regular upgrade classes will help you stay up-to-date with the latest technological advancements in the industry.
Education and Application
You can apply your hours as an HVAC Technician Apprentice to an AS Degree in Industrial Management Technology at HCC, which is a great way to further your education.
The curriculum for the HVACR Technician Apprenticeship is built with job-readiness in mind and includes training in mathematics, print reading, pipe fitting, and more.
The estimated base curriculum duration is 718 hours, which is a significant amount of time to learn and gain hands-on experience.
Here's a breakdown of what you'll study in the program:
- Mathematical processes and formulas necessary for the design, evaluation, and installation of HVACR systems.
- Usage of HVACR materials, equipment, and tools required for installation and diagnostic tasks.
- Safety procedures and established regulations related to workplace and job requirements.
- Procedures for installing, inspecting, testing, repairing, and maintaining HVACR systems.
HVACR Technician Curriculum
The HVACR Technician Curriculum is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the field. It covers a range of topics, including mathematical processes and formulas, usage of HVACR materials and equipment, and safety procedures.
Students will study mathematical processes and formulas necessary for the design, evaluation, and installation of HVACR systems. They'll also learn about usage of HVACR materials, equipment, and tools required for installation and diagnostic tasks.
Safety procedures and established regulations related to workplace and job requirements are also covered in the curriculum. This includes procedures for installing, inspecting, testing, repairing, and maintaining HVACR systems.
The curriculum is built with job-readiness in mind, with a focus on practical skills and knowledge. It includes online courses such as Safe Handling of Pressurized Gasses and Welding, Preventive Maintenance Techniques, and Reading Prints and Schematics.
Here are some of the key topics covered in the HVACR Technician Apprenticeship Curriculum:
- Safe Handling of Pressurized Gasses and Welding
- Preventive Maintenance Techniques
- Reading Prints and Schematics
- Principles of Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning
The curriculum is estimated to take around 718 hours to complete, making it a comprehensive and in-depth program.
Apply Hours to AS Degree
As you work towards your career goals, it's essential to know how your existing experience can be applied to a degree program. The hours you earn as an HVAC Technician Apprentice can be applied to HCC's Industrial Management Technology AS Degree.

This means you can earn credits towards your degree without having to start from scratch. Many students find this a huge time-saver and a great way to get a head start on their education.
By leveraging your existing experience, you can save money and get on the path to a degree faster. This can be especially beneficial for those who are already working in a field and want to further their education.
With the right application, your hard work as an HVAC Technician Apprentice can pay off in more ways than one.
Training and Certification
The United Association (UA) registered apprenticeship program is a five-year training program for aspiring HVAC-R technicians. This program is highly sought after, especially in the southwest region of the U.S.
Men and women can earn a livable wage while learning the trade, thanks to the apprenticeship's on-the-job training component. They receive benefits and combine work experience with classroom instruction to become well-rounded technicians.
Accredited instructors teach classes at UA training centers, ensuring apprentices become highly skilled, trained, and certified journeyman HVAC-R technicians.
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Licensure/Certification Earned

Upon completing your training, you can earn a valuable certification that opens doors to new career opportunities.
One of the most significant benefits of our training program is the licensure you'll receive upon completion. This HVACR Journeyman's license is a testament to your hard work and dedication.
You'll be awarded an HVACR Journeyman's license after successfully finishing the program.
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HVAC-R Training
HVAC-R training is a five-year program for those who want to become journeymen HVAC-R technicians, but experienced technicians can complete it in less time.
The program is offered by the United Association (UA) and is a registered apprenticeship. This means apprentices can earn a livable wage and benefits while learning.
Most of the training happens on-the-job, where apprentices learn from experienced technicians. They then combine this experience with classroom instruction at a UA training center.
All classroom instruction is taught by accredited instructors, ensuring apprentices become highly skilled and certified journeymen.
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Job and Industry
The job outlook for HVACR apprentices is promising, with opportunities to explore salaries and job openings in this field.
You'll be working with heating, ventilation, and air conditioning/refrigeration systems, installing, servicing, and repairing systems in homes and commercial buildings.
This trade is heavily regulated, with the State of Maryland overseeing apprenticeship policies and standards.
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Job Overview
HVACR apprentices start by assisting experienced technicians with tasks like carrying materials, insulating refrigerant lines, and cleaning furnaces.
Their work involves installing, servicing, and repairing heating and air conditioning systems in residences and commercial establishments.
They usually assist with simpler tasks before moving on to more complex ones like cutting and soldering pipes and checking electrical and electronic circuits.
As apprentices progress, they gain hands-on experience and develop the skills needed to work independently.
The State of Maryland regulates this trade, with the Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Council formulating apprenticeship policies and registering standards.
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Job Outlook
The job outlook for this field is promising, with opportunities to explore salaries and job openings.

Explore salaries and job opportunities in this field, as it's a great time to break into the industry.
Job opportunities are abundant, with many companies looking for skilled professionals to fill open positions.
According to the information provided, the job outlook is indeed worth exploring, especially for those looking to start a new career.
At a Glance
In our HVACR Apprenticeship program, you can work fulltime while attending classes and achieve journeyman status in just 4 years. This is a huge advantage for those who want to start earning a living while learning a trade.
With previous experience or education, you may be able to skip the 1st year by passing an exam, which can save you a year of time and effort.
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