HVAC Technician at Construction Industry Training Council of Washington - HVAC

Time-BasedRegistered ApprenticeshipPaid Training

at Construction Industry Training Council of Washington - HVAC in Bellevue, WA

About This Program

The Construction Industry Training Council of Washington — HVAC, based in Bellevue, WA, sponsors this registered non-union HVAC Technician apprenticeship. As part of a broader construction training council, this program benefits from an organized, industry-supported curriculum designed to meet the needs of Washington State's active construction and building services sectors.

The four-year apprenticeship includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices learn to install, maintain, and service HVAC systems across residential and commercial applications, gaining skills in equipment installation, system controls, refrigerant handling, ductwork, and energy-efficient technologies. Classroom instruction reinforces technical theory, code compliance, and safety standards.

Graduates complete the program as journey-level HVAC technicians with a credential backed by the Construction Industry Training Council of Washington. Bellevue and the greater Puget Sound region offer an active job market for skilled HVAC professionals, making this a strong entry point into the trade.

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 Washington

HVAC Technicians in Washington are required to hold a license. Licensing is issued by Washington State Department of Labor and Industries.

View full Washingtonlicensing requirements →

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