HVAC Technician at Benson Heating & Air Conditioning (PHCC)
at Benson Heating & Air Conditioning (PHCC) in Eldon, IA
About This Program
Benson Heating & Air Conditioning, a PHCC-affiliated employer located in Eldon, IA, offers a registered HVAC Technician apprenticeship for individuals pursuing a hands-on career in the heating and cooling trade. This non-union, employer-sponsored program pays apprentices throughout training, removing a key financial barrier to entering the skilled trades.
The four-year program consists of 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices work directly with Benson's experienced technicians on residential and light commercial HVAC systems, building skills in equipment installation, service calls, and preventive maintenance. Technical instruction covers refrigerant handling and EPA compliance, electrical systems, heating and cooling equipment, controls, and workplace safety.
Graduates are prepared to work as skilled, independent HVAC technicians. Benson Heating & Air Conditioning's community roots in Wapello County give apprentices experience serving a loyal regional customer base, and the PHCC affiliation provides professional development support throughout the apprenticeship and beyond.
Wage & Training
Journeyman Wage
$26
OJT Hours
8,000
RTI Hours
576
Duration
4 years
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
Trade School
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