HVAC Technician at Direct Heating and Air LLC (ABC)

Time-BasedRegistered ApprenticeshipPaid Training

at Direct Heating and Air LLC (ABC) in Altoona, IA

About This Program

Direct Heating and Air LLC (ABC) offers a registered HVAC Technician apprenticeship in Altoona, Iowa. Affiliated with Associated Builders and Contractors, this non-union, employer-sponsored program gives motivated individuals a paid, structured route into one of the most in-demand skilled trades in the region.

Over four years, apprentices complete 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction. Day-to-day work involves installing, maintaining, and repairing heating and cooling equipment for residential and commercial customers. Technical coursework covers core HVAC concepts including thermodynamics, refrigerant systems, electrical wiring and controls, airflow design, and EPA Section 608 certification preparation.

Completing this apprenticeship positions graduates to work as journey-level HVAC technicians with a well-rounded skill set applicable across a range of service and installation settings. The HVAC field continues to grow as energy-efficient systems become a priority for homeowners and businesses throughout Iowa.

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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