HVAC Technician at Carlson Heating Air & Hot Water Inc.

Time-BasedRegistered ApprenticeshipPaid Training

at Carlson Heating Air & Hot Water Inc. in Torrington, CT

About This Program

Carlson Heating Air & Hot Water Inc. offers a registered HVAC Technician apprenticeship in Torrington, CT. This non-union, employer-sponsored program pays apprentices while they train, making it a practical path into the skilled trades without taking on student debt.

The four-year program includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training alongside Carlson's experienced team, plus 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices develop hands-on skills in installing, servicing, and troubleshooting heating, cooling, and hot water systems. Technical coursework covers refrigeration theory, electrical systems, system controls, load calculations, and industry safety standards.

Graduates complete the program as journey-level HVAC technicians ready to work independently on a full range of residential and light commercial systems. The combination of real-world experience at Carlson and structured classroom learning prepares completers for a durable, in-demand trade career in Connecticut and beyond.

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

Licensing in Connecticut

HVAC Technicians in Connecticut are required to hold a license. Licensing is issued by Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection – Occupational and Professional Licensing.

View full Connecticutlicensing requirements →

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