HVAC Technician at Diamond State HVAC

Time-BasedRegistered ApprenticeshipPaid Training

at Diamond State HVAC in North Little Rock, AR

About This Program

Diamond State HVAC offers a registered HVAC Technician apprenticeship in North Little Rock, Arkansas. This non-union program is an accessible, paid pathway into the heating and cooling trade for individuals in the central Arkansas area. Apprentices earn wages from the first day of training, making it possible to build a career without the expense of traditional vocational school or college tuition.

The program spans four years and includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices gain practical experience installing, maintaining, and repairing residential and commercial HVAC systems under the supervision of experienced technicians. Classroom instruction covers refrigeration fundamentals, electrical systems and controls, airflow and ductwork, system troubleshooting, and compliance with EPA and safety regulations.

Upon completing the program, graduates are recognized as journey-level HVAC technicians. The Little Rock metro area supports steady demand for HVAC services across its residential communities and commercial corridors, and training with a local company like Diamond State HVAC gives graduates a strong foothold in the central Arkansas job market.

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 Arkansas

HVAC Technicians in Arkansas are required to hold a license. Licensing is issued by Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing – HVAC Licensing Board.

View full Arkansaslicensing requirements →

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