HVAC Technician at Aspen Refrigeration Service, Inc.

Time-BasedRegistered ApprenticeshipPaid Training

at Aspen Refrigeration Service, Inc. in St. Louis, MO

About This Program

Aspen Refrigeration Service, Inc., based in St. Louis, MO, sponsors this registered non-union HVAC Technician apprenticeship. Apprentices earn wages from day one and receive structured training in both refrigeration and HVAC systems under the guidance of experienced industry professionals.

The program is four years in length and combines 8,000 hours of on-the-job training with 576 hours of related technical instruction. Core topics include refrigeration cycles, electrical systems and controls, installation and commissioning of HVAC equipment, preventive maintenance, fault diagnosis, and EPA Section 608 refrigerant certification requirements. Hands-on work in the field is central to this apprenticeship model.

Upon completion, apprentices graduate as journey-level HVAC technicians with demonstrated skills in refrigeration service and system maintenance. Aspen Refrigeration's program offers a solid foundation for a rewarding career in a field with steady demand across the St. Louis region and throughout the country.

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

Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!

See something wrong? Help us improve this page.