HVAC Technician at Alexander Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning

Time-BasedRegistered ApprenticeshipPaid Training

at Alexander Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning in Princeton, NJ

About This Program

Alexander Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning, based in Princeton, NJ, sponsors this registered HVAC Technician apprenticeship through a non-union, employer-based program. Apprentices are paid throughout the full four-year training period, combining real job site experience with structured classroom instruction in one of New Jersey's most established communities.

The apprenticeship consists of 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices work alongside Alexander's experienced technicians on plumbing, heating, and air conditioning systems for residential and commercial clients throughout the Princeton area. Technical coursework covers refrigeration theory, electrical systems, HVAC controls, system diagnostics, heat load calculations, and applicable codes and safety standards.

Graduates earn journey-level HVAC technician status upon completing the program, fully qualified to work independently across a range of system types. Princeton's mix of historic residential properties, commercial buildings, and institutional facilities creates consistent, year-round demand for skilled HVAC professionals.

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

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