HVAC Technician at Big Mike's Custom Bath & HVAC, LLC
at Big Mike's Custom Bath & HVAC, LLC in Clear Lake, IA
About This Program
Big Mike's Custom Bath & HVAC, LLC, based in Clear Lake, IA, sponsors a registered HVAC Technician apprenticeship for individuals ready to start a career in the heating and cooling trade. This non-union, employer-sponsored program pays apprentices from day one, making it a practical option for those who want to work and learn at the same time.
The program is four years long, combining 8,000 hours of hands-on field training with 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices work directly with HVAC systems in residential and light commercial settings, building skills in equipment installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting. Technical coursework covers refrigeration fundamentals, electrical wiring, system controls, ductwork design, and EPA refrigerant handling requirements.
Graduates leave the program as capable HVAC technicians ready to work across a range of system types. Located in northern Iowa, Big Mike's Custom Bath & HVAC serves a regional market with steady demand, offering completers a clear path to full-time, skilled employment in the mechanical trades.
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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