HVAC Technician at Dotson's Heating, Air, Refrigeration and Electrical
at Dotson's Heating, Air, Refrigeration and Electrical in Pine Bluff, AR
About This Program
Dotson's Heating, Air, Refrigeration and Electrical sponsors a registered HVAC Technician apprenticeship in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. This non-union program offers a multi-trade learning environment where apprentices gain experience in heating, cooling, refrigeration, and electrical systems side by side. Apprentices are compensated throughout their training, making this an immediately viable career option for residents of southeast Arkansas.
The four-year program includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices work on a wide range of equipment and systems, including residential furnaces, central air conditioning, commercial refrigeration, and basic electrical service. Technical coursework covers refrigerant regulations, electrical fundamentals, diagnostic techniques, controls, and safety standards — preparing apprentices for a broad scope of field work.
Graduates complete the program as journey-level HVAC technicians with exposure across multiple skilled trade disciplines. Training at a company that handles heating, refrigeration, and electrical work gives graduates a versatile skillset valued by employers throughout the Pine Bluff area and the broader southeast Arkansas region.
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
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 →Reviews
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