HVAC Technician at A&J Heating Air, Inc.

Time-BasedRegistered ApprenticeshipPaid Training

at A&J Heating Air, Inc. in Charlottesville, VA

About This Program

A&J Heating Air, Inc. offers a registered HVAC Technician Apprenticeship in Charlottesville, VA. Sponsored by the employer and operated as a non-union program, it provides a paid, structured training experience for individuals who want to enter the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning trade in Central Virginia.

The program spans 4 years and combines 8,000 hours of supervised on-the-job training with 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices work in the field with skilled technicians, gaining experience with installation, preventive maintenance, and system repairs on a range of residential and light commercial HVAC equipment. Technical coursework addresses refrigeration fundamentals, electrical systems, thermostats and controls, airflow principles, and safety and EPA compliance.

Graduates complete the program as journey-level HVAC technicians, ready to work independently in the trade. Charlottesville's active construction and property management markets support ongoing demand for qualified HVAC professionals, giving completers strong prospects for long-term employment.

Wage & Training

Journeyman Wage

$26

BLS 2023

OJT Hours

8,000

Apprenticeship.gov 2025

RTI Hours

576

Apprenticeship.gov 2025

Duration

4 years

Apprenticeship.gov 2025

Wage data is the national median for this occupation (BLS, May 2023), not specific to this program.

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

Cost$0 (earn while you learn)
Duration4 years
Starting wage$16.00/hr
Journeyman wage$25.95/hr
CredentialJourneyman card

Trade School

Cost$5,000–$20,000+
Duration6–24 months
Starting wageEntry-level
ExperienceHands-on labs
CredentialCertificate / diploma

Licensing in Virginia

HVAC Technicians in Virginia are required to hold a license. Licensing is issued by Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation – Board for Contractors.

View full Virginialicensing requirements →

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