HVAC Technician at Berge HVACR Inc.

Time-BasedRegistered ApprenticeshipPaid Training

at Berge HVACR Inc. in Whiting, NJ

About This Program

Berge HVACR Inc. sponsors this non-union HVAC Technician apprenticeship in Whiting, NJ. This registered, employer-sponsored program is a paid opportunity for individuals looking to enter the heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration trade through structured, hands-on training.

The four-year, time-based program includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training alongside 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices work directly with experienced HVACR technicians in the field, learning to install, service, and diagnose a wide range of heating, cooling, and refrigeration systems. Classroom instruction covers refrigeration principles, electrical theory, system controls and diagnostics, refrigerant handling, load calculations, and safety and code compliance.

Graduates complete the apprenticeship as journey-level HVAC technicians with broad, practical knowledge of the trade. The registered apprenticeship credential from Berge HVACR Inc. is recognized nationally and positions graduates for a stable and rewarding career in the HVACR industry.

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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