HVAC Technician at Coastal HVAC
at Coastal HVAC in Wakefield, RI
About This Program
Coastal HVAC, based in Wakefield, RI, offers a non-union HVAC Technician apprenticeship for individuals in southern Rhode Island looking to start a hands-on career in the heating and cooling trade. Apprentices are paid throughout the program, making it possible to enter the skilled trades without sacrificing income during training.
The program is time-based and runs four years, combining 8,000 hours of on-the-job training with 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices work in real service environments, learning to install, maintain, and repair residential and commercial HVAC equipment including heat pumps, furnaces, central air systems, and ductwork. Classroom study covers refrigeration science, electrical fundamentals, system controls, diagnostic procedures, and safety standards.
Graduates of Coastal HVAC's apprenticeship program earn journey-level status as HVAC technicians. The coastal and rural service area of Wakefield and southern Rhode Island provides apprentices with diverse customer and system experience that prepares them for a broad range of HVAC employment opportunities.
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
Licensing in Rhode Island
HVAC Technicians in Rhode Island are required to hold a license. Licensing is issued by Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training – Building, Design and Fire Professionals.
View full Rhode Islandlicensing requirements →Reviews
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