HVAC Technician at A-1 Refrigeration Sales and Service, Inc.
at A-1 Refrigeration Sales and Service, Inc. in Kalamazoo, MI
About This Program
A-1 Refrigeration Sales and Service, Inc. sponsors this registered HVAC Technician apprenticeship in Kalamazoo, MI. This non-union, employer-sponsored program provides a paid training pathway for individuals entering the HVAC and commercial refrigeration trade in southwestern Michigan. Apprentices earn wages throughout the program, gaining practical field experience while working toward a nationally recognized credential.
The time-based program spans 4 years and includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training paired with 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices work with A-1 Refrigeration's experienced team, developing skills in refrigeration system installation, maintenance, and repair alongside HVAC equipment servicing. Technical coursework covers refrigeration cycles, electrical systems, controls, equipment diagnostics, safety practices, and compliance with relevant codes and standards.
Graduates complete the program as journey-level HVAC technicians with strong expertise in refrigeration systems. This registered apprenticeship credential is recognized throughout the industry and positions completers for long-term, skilled employment in a trade with steady demand across commercial food service, industrial, and building climate control sectors in the Kalamazoo region and beyond.
Wage & Training
Journeyman Wage
$26
OJT Hours
8,000
RTI Hours
576
Duration
4 years
Wage data is the national median for this occupation (BLS, May 2023), not specific to this program.
How to Apply
HVAC Technician Career Outlook
National Median
$25.95/hr
~$53,976/yr
Apprentice Start
$16/hr
Earn while you learn
Job Outlook
HVAC technician employment is projected to grow faster than average, driven by new construction, system replacements, and the transition to energy-efficient and environmentally friendly equipment. The push toward heat pumps and smart building systems is creating new specialization opportunities. Experienced technicians with strong troubleshooting skills are in high demand across all regions.
What to Expect as a HVAC Technician Apprentice
Duration
4 years of combined on-the-job training and classroom instruction
On-the-Job Training
~40 hours/week of hands-on work under journeyman supervision (8,000 total hours)
Classroom Instruction
576 hours of related technical instruction (~144 hours/year)
Paid Training
You earn a wage from day one, starting at a percentage of the journeyman rate and increasing as you progress
Time-based program: You'll progress through the program based on completing a set number of hours in both on-the-job training and classroom instruction.
Trade School vs. Apprenticeship for HVAC Technician
Apprenticeship
Trade School
Licensing in Michigan
HVAC Technicians in Michigan are required to hold a license. Licensing is issued by Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs – Bureau of Construction Codes.
View full Michiganlicensing requirements →Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!
See something wrong? Help us improve this page.