HVAC Technician at Derek Pike HVACR
at Derek Pike HVACR in Mason City, IA
About This Program
Derek Pike HVACR, located in Mason City, IA, sponsors a registered HVAC Technician apprenticeship for individuals ready to enter the heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration trade. This non-union program offers paid, hands-on training in a small-business environment where apprentices work closely with experienced technicians from the start.
The apprenticeship is four years long and includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training alongside 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices develop practical skills in HVAC and refrigeration system installation, maintenance, and repair, working on residential and light commercial equipment across north-central Iowa. Technical coursework covers refrigerant handling, electrical fundamentals, heating system operation, cooling system diagnostics, controls, and industry safety standards.
Graduates complete the program as skilled HVAC/R technicians ready to work independently on a wide range of equipment. Derek Pike HVACR's focused, small-team setting allows for close mentorship and hands-on learning, making this an especially good fit for apprentices who thrive with direct, one-on-one guidance in the field.
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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