HVAC Technician at Dick Soule Refrigeration

Time-BasedRegistered ApprenticeshipPaid Training

at Dick Soule Refrigeration in Enosburg Falls, VT

About This Program

Dick Soule Refrigeration, located in Enosburg Falls, VT, sponsors this registered non-union HVAC Technician apprenticeship. With a focus rooted in refrigeration alongside HVAC, this paid program offers apprentices exposure to a wide range of mechanical systems used in residential, commercial, and agricultural settings common to rural Vermont.

The four-year apprenticeship requires 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices gain practical skills in servicing and repairing refrigeration and HVAC equipment, including commercial refrigeration units, air conditioners, heat pumps, and heating systems. Technical coursework covers refrigerant handling and EPA certification, electrical theory, system troubleshooting, and safety practices.

Graduates complete the program as journey-level HVAC technicians with specialized knowledge in refrigeration systems. This added expertise is particularly valuable in agricultural and food service industries, expanding employment opportunities for completers throughout northern Vermont.

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

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