HVAC Technician at Dominics Refrigeration Inc

Time-BasedRegistered ApprenticeshipPaid Training

at Dominics Refrigeration Inc in Portsmouth, RI

About This Program

Dominics Refrigeration Inc, based in Portsmouth, RI, offers a non-union HVAC Technician apprenticeship for individuals ready to pursue a skilled trade career in heating, cooling, and refrigeration. Apprentices are compensated throughout the program, earning wages while developing their craft under the guidance of experienced professionals.

The apprenticeship is time-based and runs four years, encompassing 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction. Working in the field, apprentices learn to install, diagnose, and repair HVAC and refrigeration systems in residential and commercial settings. Technical instruction covers refrigeration principles, electrical theory, controls, equipment troubleshooting, and workplace safety.

Completing this program prepares apprentices to work as journey-level HVAC technicians with a well-rounded skill set in both HVAC and refrigeration systems. Dominics Refrigeration's focus on refrigeration work provides apprentices with specialized experience that adds value in the broader HVAC/R 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 Rhode Island

HVAC Technicians in Rhode Island are required to hold a license. Licensing is issued by Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training – Building, Design and Fire Professionals.

View full Rhode Islandlicensing requirements →

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