HVAC Technician at Bell Brothers Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc.

Time-BasedRegistered ApprenticeshipPaid Training

at Bell Brothers Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc. in Des Moines, IA

About This Program

Bell Brothers Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc. sponsors a registered HVAC Technician apprenticeship in Des Moines, Iowa. This employer-sponsored, non-union program provides a structured pathway into the heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration trade, with apprentices earning a paycheck from day one of training.

The program runs for four years and includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training paired with 576 hours of related technical instruction. Working directly in the field, apprentices learn to install, service, and troubleshoot residential and commercial HVAC systems. Technical coursework addresses refrigeration cycles, airflow and ductwork, electrical controls, system diagnostics, and proper refrigerant handling in compliance with EPA standards.

Graduates of this apprenticeship are equipped to work as journey-level HVAC technicians. With heating and cooling systems essential to homes and businesses throughout Iowa, trained technicians enjoy consistent demand and a clear path toward career advancement in the skilled trades.

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.

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

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.