HVAC Technician at Chaves Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc.

Time-BasedRegistered ApprenticeshipPaid Training

at Chaves Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. in Hudson, MA

About This Program

Chaves Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. sponsors this registered HVAC Technician apprenticeship in Hudson, MA. This non-union, employer-sponsored program offers a structured, paid training experience for individuals seeking to build a career in heating, cooling, and air conditioning systems. Apprentices are compensated throughout the program, making it possible to earn a living wage while working toward a professional credential.

The program follows a time-based format over 4 years, including 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction. Working directly with Chaves Heating & Air Conditioning's team, apprentices develop practical skills in HVAC system installation, preventive maintenance, and troubleshooting. Technical coursework addresses key areas such as refrigeration fundamentals, electrical systems, load calculations, controls, and safety practices and code compliance.

Graduates of this program are prepared to work independently as journey-level HVAC technicians. The registered apprenticeship credential is widely recognized in the industry and equips completers for long-term career success in a trade with reliable demand across residential and commercial markets in central Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts

HVAC Technicians in Massachusetts are required to hold a license. Licensing is issued by Massachusetts Board of Sheet Metal Workers.

View full Massachusettslicensing requirements →

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