HVAC Technician at Arkansas Hvacr Association Apprenticeship Training Program

Time-BasedRegistered ApprenticeshipPaid Training

at Arkansas Hvacr Association Apprenticeship Training Program in Little Rock, AR

About This Program

The Arkansas HVACR Association Apprenticeship Training Program, based in Little Rock, Arkansas, is a registered employer-sponsored apprenticeship that trains individuals for careers as HVAC technicians across the state. This non-union program is backed by a statewide industry association, offering apprentices access to a broad network of Arkansas heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration contractors. Apprentices are paid throughout the program.

The apprenticeship runs for four years and includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training with participating employers alongside 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices learn to install, service, diagnose, and repair HVAC and refrigeration systems in residential and commercial settings. Coursework addresses refrigerant regulations, electrical fundamentals, load calculations, system controls, and industry safety standards.

Graduates earn journey-level recognition as HVAC technicians with training credentials supported by an established state trade association. Arkansas's climate, with hot summers and cold winters, creates year-round demand for HVAC services, and completing this apprenticeship positions graduates for reliable, in-demand employment throughout the state.

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 Arkansas

HVAC Technicians in Arkansas are required to hold a license. Licensing is issued by Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing – HVAC Licensing Board.

View full Arkansaslicensing requirements →

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